(Jacquinot & Lucas, 1853)
Small specimens of this species differ quite markedly from those with a carapace width exceeding c. 10 mm, and it would be difficult to recognize them as P. nodosa were it not for the continuous gradation within the series available. The tubercles on the chelipeds do not have the typical rounded appearance but are sharp and flattened; the meri, and more particularly the propodi, are more sharply angled, the upper surfaces of the propodi tending to be smooth and flat; the tubercles on the carapace are much more acute and more distinct, forming almost crest-like rows.
Miers (1884, p. 201) suggested that P. intermedia (Miers, 1879) might represent a young stage of P. nodosa. Balss 1922 (fide Sakai, 1938, p. 330) has shown P. intermedia to be in fact a young stage of Parthenope valida de Haan. The present small specimens differ from small P. valida in having the carapace as long as broad, three rows of tubercles on each branchial region instead of a single row, and no strong backwardly directed teeth on the lateral posterior margins of the carapace.
The large circular red spot on the inner face of the hand at the base of the fingers is a convenient feature for field identification. (Campbell & Stephenson, 1970)
Type locality: Australia.
Range: Japan - Sagami Bay (Sakai, 1976a); Australia - Cape Jaubert (Rathbun, 1924c), Moreton Bay (Campbell & Stephenson, 1970), western, north and north-east Australia.