Arthropod: Horseshoe Crab
By: Haley Rhoden
Scientific Name
The scientific name for the Horseshoe crab is the Limulidae xiphasura.
Biome
The Horseshoe Crab lives mainly in the tundra and rain forests. They were on the Earth before the dinosaurs, too.
Geographical Home
You can find this arthropod on land and in shallow water.
The body of a Horseshoe Crab
Underneath of a Horseshoe Crab
Side of a Horseshoe Crab
Body Shape and Description
The Horseshoe Crab is round with a long tail. They have a hard shell and nine eyes. Its head it the largest part on its body that contains the brain, heart, and other organs. The abdomen is the triangular part below the head that looks like it has spikes on it.
Feeding Habits
The Horseshoe Crab is a predator or carnivore. It east small clams, worms, and other animals. It crushes its food up with its tail and then passes it to the mouth.
Life Cycle
Egg to Larvae to Juvenile to Adult to Mortality
The eggs are found from the low-water line to the spring high-tide line. The female lays about 80,000 eggs. A baby Horseshoe Crab is the size of your finger tip and they may live for 18 years.