Bug Identifier
Ghost Crab (or similar sandy-beach crab)
Community identification

Ghost Crab (or similar sandy-beach crab)

Ocypode quadrata (or related species)

Order & Family
Decapoda, Ocypodidae
Size
Body width typically ranges from 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 inches).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Sandy beaches and intertidal zones, primarily in burrows above the high-tide line.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; feeds on scavenged organic matter, small insects, mollusks, and occasionally plant material.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal or crepuscular foragers, known for running very quickly across sand and disappearing into deep burrows when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans though they can pinch if handled. They serve an important ecological role as scavengers and indicators of beach health.