Persephona mediterranea Mottled Purse Crab

    This species is fairly commonly found washed ashore on the beaches of northeast Florida where it usually falls prey to hungry sea birds. The illustrated specimen was discovered alive, lying upside down, probably having survived just such an attack. Thanks to Dr. Quint White of Jacksonville University for his identification assistance.

Persephona mediterranea Mottled Purse Crab
Little Talbot Island State Park Beach, Duval County, Florida 12/22/2004 (overall about 65 mm.)