A pale crab races across the sand, then disappears into a hole. Its raised eyes and quick retreat make it one of the easiest beach residents to notice—and the hardest to approach.
- Local names
- ohiti
- Habitat
- Motu and shore
About this species
The horned ghost crab digs many of the burrows seen on Onetahi. It is a true crab, unlike hermit crabs and coconut crabs. Its angular, almost square body often carries an H-shaped marking, while sandy colours hide it when it stops moving. Projections above the eyes give the species its common name.
It can run at about 2.1 metres per second. Deep burrows provide refuge from the heat and drying air; the crab usually emerges at night. Although it moves easily on land, it still needs moisture for respiration.
