
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).
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.