It is native to the Pacific coasts of North America, its range extending from Alaska to California.

There are more prominent tubercles on the fifth, sixth and seventh segments of the chelipeds; the legs are covered with setae (bristles) and have black claws.

[2][3] This crab could be confused with Glebocarcinus oregonensis which is a similar size, but that species has spiny ridges on the chelae instead of tubercles.

Two subspecies are recognised: L. b. bellus ranges from Resurrection Bay, Alaska southward to Cayucos, California, while L. b. diegensis ranges from Monterey Bay southwards to San Diego.

[4] Breeding begins in April in the Puget Sound area; the female carries the eggs around on the underside of her abdomen for their protection and they hatch from May onwards.