News from the atoll
Tetiaroa Nature Series: One species at a time
The mysterious ‘Ōhiti — Tetiaroa’s ghost crabs
This month, our Tetiaroa Nature Series: One Species at a Time takes a slightly more… spectral turn, ust in time for Halloween.
As night falls, pale shapes dart across the sand before vanishing into their burrows, like tiny shadows brought to life by the moon.
They aren’t spirits, but the ‘Ōhiti, Tetiaroa’s ghost crabs!
Two species share the atoll’s beaches:
The Horned ghost crab (Ocypode ceratophthalma), with small horn-like projections above its eyes;
The Smooth-handed ghost crab (Ocypode cordimana), slightly smaller and with rounded claws.
Invisible by day, swift and elusive by night, the ʻŌhiti truly lives up to its name.
A true sand architect, it digs deep burrows and tosses tiny balls of sand around its entrance, only to vanish at the slightest vibration.
Behind its ghostly appearance, this small crustacean plays a vital role in keeping Tetiaroa’s beaches healthy, naturally cleaning and aerating the sand.
Ready to meet the ghost of the sands?
Read the full second epsiode on ghost crabs on our website
Photos : © Simon Ducatez & Jayna DeVore, UMR SECOPOL