Finding Tiny Crabs
We’re spending this week down on the beach looking for animals that are not easy to spot. Today we’re looking for a tiny crab called the sand or mole crab. Let’s get to exploring!
MOLE CRAB FUN FACTS:
- These little crabs are found in the sand where the tide rolls in. They bury themselves just below the surface.
- They can bury themselves in under 2 seconds! Good luck finding these speed demons.
- Mole crabs have feathery antenna that filter plankton from the water.
- Birds and fish like to dine on these little crustaceans.
- They molt when they grow and must wait for their new shell to harden.
- Mole crabs can swim or tread water – an unusual adaptation for crabs.
- Females can produce up to 45,000 eggs!
Have you ever spotted these crazy crabs on the beach? They aren’t easy to see, but they are an important part of the food web of the beach!
The Adventures of Ellie and Edmond 