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Today on Animal Fact Files we’re discussing ghost crabs. They may get their name from their ghostly appearance which helps them blend in with their surroundings or they may be called ghosts due to their nocturnal activities. There are approximately 20 classified ghost crab species found throughout tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Those found closer to the equator are active year round and can even reproduce multiple times throughout the year. Those found further from the equator thus experiencing colder weather conditions may spend a few months in dormancy buried in sand.

Ghost crab adults live on land but have to keep their gills moist in order to survive, so they’re always near water most often on sandy coastal beaches. The younger the crab, the closer they stay to shore. Ghost crabs are solitary but can be found in larger congregations on beaches. They dig burrows which can reach over four feet (122cm) deep and are used for protection and resting during the day. At night, they emerge. Ghost crabs can reach speeds over nine miles per hour (15km/h) and may travel over half a mile (800m) on their nightly excursions. They’ll search for food and potential mates if the timing is right. These crustaceans are scavengers and eat debris that washes into their burrows, other crabs, clams, as well as sea turtle eggs. In fact, their impact on sea turtle nests can be so great that the crabs need to be controlled on certain beaches.

Moving around at night helps ghost crabs avoid predators, however, they can be eaten by raccoons, owls, other crabs, and gulls. When they do have to move during the day, their sandy color helps them blend in with their surroundings, though ghost crabs are also able to slowly change color to help camouflage themselves further. Some species come a little more colorful, like this horned ghost crab that looks purple! Speaking of horned ghost crabs, some ghost crab species have little horns over their club-shaped eyestalks. These light sensitive eyes allow them to see well at night and give the crabs 360 degree vision.

In size, ghost crabs can reach up to two inches (5cm) in length as adults, but some species only reach about half as long. Their burrows are only as large as the widest part of their shell and they’ll find a new burrow each morning. They have long legs for walking across the sand, excavating their homes, and retaining moisture. The small hair-like structures on their legs wick up water from the surrounding environment to help keep the crabs hydrated. Ghost crab burrows can often be spotted on a beach as small holes in the sand. These crabs have different sized claws in both males and females and male ghost crabs are often larger than the ladies.

While typically solitary in nature, after reaching a year of age these crabs may reproduce. Like coconut crabs, the female ghost crab carries her fertilized eggs around until they’re ready to hatch in the water. The larvae remain here as they go through various stages of development until they’re ready to come up on land. The whole process can take more than a month!

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