Limulus Love
One common topic on this blog is the Atlantic horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. Most certainly this is a product of where I grew up. As a person from Cape May County, NJ, I came to appreciate the horseshoe crab in all its humility and glory. There is also a story that will be told for decades of how I ended up having to bring my dear mother on a late night horseshoe crab survey of which the data sheet blew away in the wind when we completed our task (… always have a rubber band around the clip board!).
Here is a listing of the horseshoe crab posts found on this site:
How have horseshoe crabs been able to remain unchanged for centuries?
Atlantic horseshoe crab infographic
“The Timeless Traveler” a new documentary by River Bank Studio
What do you spy with a horseshoe crab eye?
Scientists discover new living fossil. What is a living fossil?
13 apps for your day at the beach
30 reasons to be grateful for the ocean
“Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.” P.J. O’Rourke
It’s as easy as A, B, Sea: X for Xiphosura
It’s as easy as A, B, Sea: H for Horseshoe Crab
Where have all the horseshoe crabs gone?
Why are horseshoe crabs essential to biotechnology?
Are horseshoe crabs dangerous?
More reasons why I love the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab…
The First Beach Chair Scientist post is about my favorite animal – The Atlantic Horseshoe Crab
Please feel free to email if there is anything you would like covered on this topic or any great resources you’d like to share (info@beachchairscientist.com).
Also, here are some of my horseshoe crab pictures from the excursion with my mom.
Check out more pictures here!
I might be a missing a few circuits, but I think horseshoe crabs are kinda cute.
Well, that is, until you turn them over. Then they look like something out of alien and really freak me out. I would probably pass on holding one, but I could watch them all day.
I could not agree more on the comparison to aliens … But, never pass on holding one. They’re incredibly gentle creatures. It actually tickles when you put your fingers near their mouths! Be sure not to pick them up with their telson as that is a vital part of their anatomy. Instead, just pick them up on their sides of the carapace. Thanks so much for commenting!