SPIDER CRABS

The Common Spider Crab (Libinia emarginata)

This scavenger is found along the entire East Coast. Although they are fearsome-looking, they are actually slow moving, and their usual claws-out threat display is mostly bluff. Harmless to humans and not particularly aggressive in general, the spider crab's main defense against predators is camouflage: the shell ranges in color from brown to a dull yellow... the hook-like hairs on the crab's shell (carapace) hold algae, barnacles and other small debris in place.

Spider Crabs have relatively small round bodies (to 4"), long legs, and rather weak claws. They are found subtidally to at least 160 ft, on any type of bottom, and are very common in rivers and inlets. They often cover themselves with detritus for camouflage, and can also burrow in soft sediments.