Let the photo tell the story #7
- Setting: Hobe Sound Beach
- Main Character: Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata)
- Plot: Say hello to my friend, Earl the Crab
A chance encounter with one of nature’s creatures
I was greeted by this little one while enjoying a day at the beach in Florida, USA. The sun was blazing hot, the sky was crystal clear, and the ocean was deliciously inviting. After spending some time romping in the waves, I decided it was time to rehydrate. As I was getting out, I peeped this one crawling sideways after me. Initially, I did not think anything of it. Yet, all across the shore, this one followed me. And to reassert that it wasn’t all in my head, others on the beach took notice. People were chuckling and pointing at the little crab scurrying after me. It was as if I had imprinted on the crab.
Our chance encounter did not end there. Even when I returned to my spot, the crab invited themself to take cover under my chair. I cannot tell you how long this little guy kept me company; it was long enough for me to begin regarding them as Earl. Eventually, tempted by the call of the sea (or in need of wetting their gills), Earl the crab returned to the shoreline. I wish I could end this reminiscence by sharing that they looked back once more, but then I would be exaggerating. Simply, it was time for Earl to go on with its life, leaving me to mine. Despite an anticlimactic end, this beautiful day reminded me to stay in touch with my inner child.
Semi-interesting facts about these semi-terrestrial creatures
My story about Earl the Crab does not have to end there. After some searching and reading on the internet, I identified the species as an Atlantic Ghost Crab. These semi-terrestrial creatures are full of unique facts and tidbits. Some of the favorites I have read are mentioned below:
- Atlantic Ghost Crabs are semi-terrestrial creatures and are at risk of drowning if in the water for too long. They go into the water to dampen their gills and to lay their eggs. Having adapted to life on land, their legs have tiny hairs that help take up the moisture from the damp sand.
- To avoid predators, Atlantic Ghost Crabs are nocturnal. Adults burrow further up the beach, where they typically hide during the day until nightfall.
- Unlike other crabs, male Atlantic Ghost Crabs do not physically fight over mates. Instead, they make sounds. In fact, communicating via sounds is how Atlantic Ghost Crabs interact with one another. These methods of communication include striking their claws on the ground, rubbing their legs, and creating bubbling noises.
- Since Atlantic Ghost Crabs do not physically fight, they do not possess a fighting claw like other species of crabs. Therefore, there is no distinction between claw sizes between males and females.
- Mating for Atlantic Ghost Crabs is unique in that, while other species of crabs can only mate once per year, Atlantic Ghost Crabs can mate year-round. This is because, typically, crabs must wait to molt their hard exoskeleton to mate. By comparison, Atlantic Ghost Crabs have adapted to mate even in their hard shell.
Crab walk it back down memory lane
While the little girl in me wishes to possess the charisma of Snow White or Eliza Thornberry, I have had too much time in the adult world to believe that exists. Yet, on this eventful day, that grim view of the world was challenged. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but I would like to believe there was a shared bond between Earl the Crab and me. In moments like these, I cannot help but feel grateful.
How utterly blessed are we to have the opportunity to share the earth with such enigmatic creatures?
Happy Trails!
