Ocypode quadrata Atlantic Ghost Crab

    The Atlantic Ghost Crab is a very common species on the beaches of northeast Florida where it lives in burrows well above the high tide line. Although the crab itself is seldom seen during daylight hours, the round shaped entrances to its burrows and and the tracks it leaves in the sand are quite conspicuous. The moribund specimen illustrated below was  found sitting on the open beach near the low tide line.

Ocypode quadrata Atlantic Ghost Crab

Mayport Naval Station Beach, Duval County, Florida 8/26/2004 (about 90 mm.)