Photo of the Day #607: Atlantic ghost crab

I enjoy your photos of the beach life. Our river doesn't sustain much except for clams and dead fish (as far as I can tell). I used to hunt up in Maine for tidal pool life, but again, was at an utter loss.

Brian,
A beautiful crab photo! Its scientific name you provided "Ocypode quadrata" describes something about its top shell morphology--square shaped--fittingly I would say. But do you have any idea why it's called an A. ghost crab? I can't see anywhere its 'ghostiness' about. Your answer can be so much fun!

AriSan

LK; I'm glad you enjoy them.

AriSan; I am not sure why it's known as a ghost crab. Perhaps because they are active at night and are very quick; they quickly dart back into their burrows if they feel like they're in danger. This made photographing them difficult. I had to stay very still and let the flies bite so the crabs would come back out and I could get my shot.

Thanks, Brian,
Your answer provides another aspect that I could not have thought of alone; your reasoning seems to be right on the track and is easily agreed to, not withstanding the real reasons (documented) might lie around still. Yet, I feel there can't be any better reasoning than the explanation you gave. Also, you described a part of techniques you use to take difficult pictures, which ties it up beautifully.
Thanks a lot!
AriSan

Brian, can you tell me how to insert your great photo of the day of the Atlantic Ghost crab for my power point report? Photo 607 taken at Prime Hook Refuge, Delaware. I could acknowledge you in my power point report. thanks Stan Balducci hbalducci@comcast.net I live in Virginia thanks