Distribution of mitten crabs
A juvenille mitten crab collected on the lock wall at Richmond, London, in November 2005. Its carapace is smaller than the thumbnail of the hand holding it. (Image: Joelle Lai, National University of Singapore)
The native distribution of mitten crabs falls between the 2 arrows shown on this map of China.
Native distribution
The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is a native species of east Asia, with a distribution from the Province of Fukien, China (approximately 26º N), northwards to the Korean Peninsula (approximately 40º N).
However, as a result of international shipping practices and its natural ability to migrate extraordinary distances, this invasive species has also been found in many distant locations.
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European distribution
From its first appearance in the early 1900s, E. sinensis has flourished in much of Europe. Find out about its spread across the continent.
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British and Irish distribution
The population of mitten crabs in the River Thames in London continues to increase. Get information about the extent of the problem as well as reports of the animal elsewhere in the British Isles.
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North American distribution
The species has been sighted in multiple locations in North America since 1965. Learn about key reports.
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Middle Eastern distribution
There have been recent reports of mitten crabs in Iran and Iraq, but the status of the species in those countries is unknown and needs monitoring. Find out about risks to the area and where the sightings occurred.