Horseshoe Crab Spawning, Delaware Bay.

[Gwangi]

Here's something for those of us with an interest in those extant animals known as "living fossils" (I too, hate that term). Horseshoe crabs of course have been around for 450 million years, long before the dinosaurs. And they're not crabs either, more closely related to arachnids and eurypterids (sea scorpions) in particular. Having moved to the eastern shore of Maryland this past winter I was super stoked to see the annual spawning of these ancient and fascinating creatures.

During the summer the Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) come ashore along the east coast of North America, with the Delaware Bay being ground zero. On full moons, during high tide, and in May/June in particular they gather by the millions. When we got there we only saw a few scattered about, but that was two hours before the high tide. High tide that day was at 9:40 PM so we waited and as the tide came in, and the sun set, the crabs gathered. Before you knew it there was no place left to even walk, crabs as far as the eye could see.

It was truly amazing to get the chance to witness this primordial act, something that has been occurring along our shores for the last 450 million years! I wonder if dinosaurs ever took advantage of this potential food source? Modern dinosaurs certainly do, shorebirds feed heavily on the eggs. The red knot in particular rely on horseshoe crab eggs as a food source during migration, fattening up on them before heading north. I can't wait to share this experience every spring with my daughter.

[Ravonium]

Thanks for sharing these nice photos. You and your daughter are very lucky to be able to witness this 

[Lanthanotus]

Hi Gwangi, thanks very much for sharing that experience, truly impressive, I envy you

[Mini Minmi]

OH wow, how beautiful! And like you said, it's awe inspiring when you think the same has been happening for so long. Horseshoe crabs (a bit like spiders) both creep me out and fascinate me. Thank you so much for sharing those pictures. I'm glad you get to share this special event with your daughter.

[Libraraptor]

Magical moments!  How lucky you and your daughter were to experience such an event! Thanks for sharing!

[ceratopsian]

What a marvellous experience!  Thank you for sharing it.

[Bokisaurus]

Amazing! Wish we have something like that here.
My only encounter with a horseshoe crab was a dying one when I was in Florida.

[Gwangi]

Thanks everyone, I thought you might appreciate it.

[Halichoeres]

That's so cool! I should try to check that out some year.