The carapace is patchy in colour with green and purple. The claws (chelae) are much larger in the male than in the female.

Found throughout New Zealand but most abundant in the north. Found in crevices and among large boulders in the intertidal zone.

During low tides at night, this crab searches for food. It has been seen eating limpets by holding the shell upside down with one claw, while scooping the flesh with the other. It will also eat red seaweed and other detritus.

Zonation and Habits of the Grapsid Crabs Plagusia capensis and Leptograpsus variegates; Bacon