Near the end of our time clamming David pulled a horseshoe crab up with his rake. As he pulled it to the surface the crab (it's not really a crab, by the way) swam away and settled down on the bottom. I reached down and picked it up by its tail to show to the children. They were all impressed.
I didn't have a camera with me, so I have downloaded a photo from Wikipedia.
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| Horseshoe Crabs by Chosovi, from Wikipedia |
Horseshoe crabs are arthropods, and are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than other crabs. Because they have remained relatively unchanged for 450 million years they are often described as living fossils.
When we released the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) it went right to the sandy bottom and reburied itself.
You never know what adventures you'll have poking around in the sound!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Molly Lovejoy's 2012 Ocracoke School Valedictory Address. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news062112.htm.
Philip,
ReplyDeleteJust wondering what O'cockers think of the Berkley Manor sale??? Such a neat property with an interesting history. I wonder if it has brought any tourist $$ since it's sale in March at the bargin price of $450,000! Hope you are having a wonderful summer. Sure do enjoy your blog! Thanks!
Your friend Limulus Polyphemus can molt.
ReplyDeleteJulie S, I have heard very little about the Berkley Manor (other than amazement over the speed and quality of the restoration). I guess time will tell whether this project benefits the community. Maybe one of our local readers has some insight.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoy the blog.
I have read that a church group bought it as a retreat. Not sure how much money that will bring.
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