Ghost Crab © Matt Hallett
Ghost Crabs are found on sandy beaches all along the Eastern United States and Northern Australian coast. Their tan color allows them to blend in well with the sand which is where they burrow and hide during the day. At night, the omnivorous crab feeds on other crabs, clams, insects, vegetations and detritus. It uses its large eyes, characteristic larger claw and ability to scuttle across the beach as fast as 10 miles per hour to capture food and avoid predation. This crab's large eyes are sensitive to light and allow it to see 360 degrees. Younger crabs are found near the shore and older ones can be found further inland. Ghost crabs hibernate during the winter, holding their breath for six months in special sacs near their gills.
- Shields, J. Virginia Institute of Marine Science. "THE GHOST CRAB, Ocypode quadrata."
- http://www.vims.edu/~jeff/ghost.htm
- Knott, D. "Atlantic Ghost Crab: Ocypode quadrata." South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
- http://www.dnr.sc.gov/cwcs/pdf/Ghostcrab.pdf
