A Crabby Day

I’m not sure if you all have horseshoe crabs along the shores where you live; they are quite common here. Right now, many have molted and their discarded shells can be found all up and down the beach.

Once called "Horsefoot Crabs" because of the resemblance of its shell to a horse hoof, the Horseshoe Crab isn't really a crab. Related to scorpions, ticks and land spiders, horseshoe crabs have their own classification (Class Merostomata).
Despite their size and intimidating appearance, horseshoe crabs are not dangerous. A horseshoe crab's tail, while menacing, is not a weapon. Instead, the tail is used to plow the crab through the sand and muck, to act as a rudder, and to right the crab when it accidentally tips over.

Horseshoe crabs grow by molting and emerge 25 percent larger with each molt. After 16 molts (usually between 9 and 12 years) they will be fully grown adults.

Mollusks are the main inhabitants of a Horseshoe Crab. Mussels and slipper shell are regularly found on the underside. Periwinkles, basket shells, mud snails and drills represent the snails on the Horseshoe Crab shell.

Humans use the Horseshoe Crab almost as much as the other creatures do. Anyone who has received a medical injection has the Horseshoe Crab to thank. The blood of the Horseshoe Crab is used to ensure that the injection contains no bacterial infection. The Horseshoe Crab lacks an immune system; it can’t develop the chemicals to fight the infection. It does, however, contain compounds to inactivate bacteria. By using their blood, we in turn use their compounds to rid us of infection.

Thanks to all of you for your kind comments about my little nondescript goldfinch from yesterday – you sent him to the Spotlight! So nice that we all celebrate the everyday beauty around us.

My crabby guy is covered with beautiful shells.
If you want a peek at his underparts, click here.