This week's full moon will offer a great opportunity to see the mating of our horseshoe crabs on the beach. This spring, they will be mating at Florida beaches and the best opportunity to view this is around high tide, just before, during or after a full moon.State wildlife officials ask beachgoers to report any sightings of horseshoe mating. People may see the crabs ”pair up,” with the smaller male on top of the larger female. Other male crabs may be present around the couple. Biologists want to know the date, time, location, habitat type and environmental conditions, such as tides and moon phase, during any such sightings. If possible, specify roughly how many are coupled and how many are juveniles (4 inches wide or smaller).
As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, "Horseshoe crabs are ancient animals, first appearing 450 million years ago, according to the fossil records. They have remained virtually unchanged since. The species is an important part of marine ecosystems; their eggs are a vital food source for animals and birds, such as the red knot.
"Horseshoe crabs are important to humans as well, according to state wildlife officials. Drug companies use horseshoe crab blood to ensure intravenous drugs and vaccine injections are bacteria-free. Scientists have found that no other test is quite as reliable as horseshoe crab blood, which clots in the presence of infectious bacteria. Also, research into horseshoe crab eyes has given scientists a greater knowledge of the functioning of human eyes."
Citizens can report sightings on an online survey or send an e-mail or call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 866-252-9326.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
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