Ocypode quadrata
Ghost Crabs are not often seen on our beaches as they are nocturnal. However their 1 to 2 inch burrow entrances are visible and numerous, starting at the high tide line to several hundred feet inland. The burrows can be up to 4 feet deepand aredug at a 45 degree angle to allow sea breezes to cool the interior.
Their scientific name Ocypode means “fast feet” and they can travel up to 10 miles an hour. These crabs feed on sea turtle eggs and hatchlings, clams, insects, other crabs and scavenge most any dead creature. They are preyed upon by shorebirds and raccoons.
Being terrestrial, they are able to use hairs on the base of their legs to wick moisture from damp sand up to their gills. Ghost crabs normally mate near the male’s burrow. An interesting detail of the mating is that along with sperm the male discharges a fluid that hardens in the female, preventing her from further breeding.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.