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Project Noah Nature School
ardisoma guanhumi
This semi-terrestrial crab can measure up to 6in across its carapace. In its juvenile form, the crab is a dark brown, purple, or orange in color. As an adult, it is a bluish-gray color. Females sometimes appear light gray or white. One claw is larger than the other and the walking legs are sparsely hairy.
As adults, land crabs are terrestrial and are found as far as 5 miles from the shoreline, returning to the sea only to drink or breed. They live in burrows several feet deep or at least to a level that will allow water to seep in for moisture.
Saw these while driving down Historic Jungle Trail, Indian River County Florida.
Spotted on Aug 4, 2012
Submitted on Aug 10, 2012
3 Comments
great series and interesting information!
Thank you OnengDyah! I only wish I had a camera with a stronger zoom as these crabs were beautiful, but very nervous about anyone coming near them...they quickly scurried into their burrows upon approach!!
nice colour..