Ghost crabs, also called sand crabs, are common shore crabs in many
countries. In the south eastern United States, Ocypode quadrata is frequently seen
scurrying along beaches between sunset and dawn.These crabs are called ghosts because of their ability to disappear from sight almost
instantly, scuttling at speeds up to 10 miles per hour, while making sharp directional
changes. These creatures have two black eyes, with sharp 360° vision which they use to
see flying insects and catch them in mid air. The ghost crab, however, cannot see directly
up, so it must burrow into the ground to prevent birds from catching it.The ghost crab tunnels down four feet into the ground at a 45° angle, creating 1-2 inch wide
holes, which speckle the beach. At dusk, these crabs will sprint to the ocean in order to
obtain oxygen from the water which washes over their gills, and in June, females will release
their eggs into the ocean. Ghost crabs hibernate during the winter, holding their breath for
six months, by storing oxygen in sacs near the gills. They can also have a natural filter
system which gathers oxygen from the air, enough to survive for one year without entering
into water.
countries. In the south eastern United States, Ocypode quadrata is frequently seen
scurrying along beaches between sunset and dawn.These crabs are called ghosts because of their ability to disappear from sight almost
instantly, scuttling at speeds up to 10 miles per hour, while making sharp directional
changes. These creatures have two black eyes, with sharp 360° vision which they use to
see flying insects and catch them in mid air. The ghost crab, however, cannot see directly
up, so it must burrow into the ground to prevent birds from catching it.The ghost crab tunnels down four feet into the ground at a 45° angle, creating 1-2 inch wide
holes, which speckle the beach. At dusk, these crabs will sprint to the ocean in order to
obtain oxygen from the water which washes over their gills, and in June, females will release
their eggs into the ocean. Ghost crabs hibernate during the winter, holding their breath for
six months, by storing oxygen in sacs near the gills. They can also have a natural filter
system which gathers oxygen from the air, enough to survive for one year without entering
into water.
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