More Orgy
Horseshoe crabs existed on the planet before dinosaurs, flying insects
and
flowering plants.
Females produce about 80,000 eggs each mating season. They make
about 20 trips to the beach (with the tides), laying 4000 eggs each trip.
There are many more (smaller) males who wait along the shore for the
incoming females.
Horseshoe crabs are used extensively for medical research. The blood
of horseshoe crabs contains compounds that will bind to and inactivate bacteria,
fungi, and viruses.
Horseshoe crabs have ten eyes and can see UV light.
The shore looking West with crabs all along the beach.
The shore looking East toward Tampa.
Me with the crabby shore in the background.
Sometimes the waves turn one of the crabs over.
This little guy is reaching frantically for something to grab onto so that
he can right himself.
Learn more about horseshoe crabs at
www.horseshoecrab.org
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