The name derives from the small Italian port of Palinuro, which was known for harvesting the European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) in ancient Roman times.

In total, 12 extant genera are recognised, containing around 60 living species:[4][5] Although they superficially resemble true lobsters in terms of overall shape and having a hard carapace and exoskeleton, the two groups are not closely related.

Spiny lobsters can be easily distinguished from true lobsters by their very long, thick, spiny antennae, by the lack of chelae (claws) on the first four pairs of walking legs, although the females of most species have a small claw on the fifth pair,[6] and by a particularly specialized larval phase called phyllosoma.

Spiny lobsters tend to live in crevices of rocks and coral reefs, only occasionally venturing out at night to seek snails, clams, sea-hares,[17] crabs, or sea urchins to eat.

The noise is produced by frictional vibrations – sticking and slipping, similar to rubber materials sliding against hard surfaces.

Significantly, the system does not rely on the hardness of the exoskeleton, as many other arthropod sounds do, meaning that the spiny lobsters can continue to produce the deterrent noises even in the period following a moult when they are most vulnerable.

[24] The stridulating organ is present in all but three genera in the family (Jasus, Projasus, and the furry lobster Palinurellus),[25] and its form can distinguish different species.