The Atlantic ghost crab, "Ocypode quadrata", is a species of ghost crab, once described as an "occult, secretive alien from the ancient depths of the sea". It is a common species along the Atlantic coast of the United States, where it is the only species of ghost crab; its range of distribution extends from its northernmost reach on beaches in Westport, Massachusetts, south along the coasts of the tropical Western Atlantic Ocean to the beach of Barra do Chui, in Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil.
Similar species: Decapods
By Matthew Beziat
All rights reserved
Uploaded Dec 27, 2020. Captured Jan 18, 2019 11:21 in 9500 S Ocean Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA.
comments (5)
Niel Posted 4 years ago
"This adorable Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata) was observed by JungleDragon user, Matthew Beziat, in Jensen Beach Florida, US!
Here are just a handful of awesome facts about this particular species.
1) It is distributed from New England (US) all the way down to the beaches of Brazil.
2) It can grow up to around 3 inches in width and has stalked eyes that can turn 360 degrees.
3) "Ocypode quadrata" translates to "swift-footed square". This is due to its square-shaped body and ability to run (more like scuttle) up to 10mph.
4) It lives a solitary life and inhabits 4'-deep burrows in the sand. It hibernates in its burrow during the cold season.
5) It talks to other ghost crabs by banging its claws on the sand and stridulating its legs (rubbing them together to produce a bubbling noise).
6) It is omnivorous and feeds on clams, other small crabs, sea turtle eggs/hatchlings, insects, filter-feeders, vegetation, and even carrion.
7) It is a fairly successful species as it doesn't have many competitors or predators, and it has a flexible, omnivorous diet to boot.
8) It lives around 3 years on average.
https://www.jungledragon.com/.../atlantic_ghost_crab.html
To see more observations and photos by Matthew, please visit:
" Posted 4 years ago