What is a Horseshoe Crab??

Horseshoe Crab
Horseshoe Crab

The horseshoe crab is not a crab at all, but is more closely related to spiders,not so much the kind of spiders that you would find on land but sea spiders.  One of the interesting features of the horseshoe crab is that horseshoe crab blood is a light blue instead of red like ours. The reason for this is because their blood is copper based instead of iron based.

The horseshoe crab has been around for over 500 million years and has changed very little in that time. At one time they were thought to be extinct. They are a descendant of the trilobite and still resemble one when they are first born.

Check out this presentation on Tuesday, May 27 by the staff of the Coastal Discovery Museum focusing on the biology and behavior of the American Horseshoe Crab. Learn about the physical characteristics that have allowed these animals to survive in the ocean for millions of years, their use in the medical field, and valuable ecological importance. The program will include a field trip to a high density spawning beach to observe and experience nesting activity and learn about local spawning behaviors.

Cost is $15 per person (ages 9 and older only) and reservations are required by calling 843-689-6767 ext 223.

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