Homarus is a genus of lobsters, which include the common and commercially significant species Homarus americanus and Homarus gammarus. The Cape lobster, which was formerly in this genus as H. capensis, was moved in 1995 to the new genus Homarinus.
Homarus
Fossil of Hoploparia bearpawensis; the relationships between Homarus and Hoploparia remain unclear.
Zoea larva of H. gammarus
Image: Bugre europeu
Lobsters are malacostracans of the family Nephropidae. They have long bodies with muscular tails and live in crevices or burrows on the sea floor. Three of their five pairs of legs have claws, including the first pair, which are usually much larger than the others. Highly prized as seafood, lobsters are economically important and are often one of the most profitable commodities in the coastal areas they populate.
Lobster
Lobsters awaiting purchase in Trenton, Maine
European lobster with cut antennae
Boiled lobster ready for eating