Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Horseshoe Crabs
Why are horseshoe crabs important?
Horseshoe crabs are an important part of the ecology of coastal communities. During the nesting season, especially in the mid-Atlantic States, horseshoe crab eggs become the major food source for migrating birds. Over 50 percent of the diet of many shorebird species consists of horseshoe crab eggs. Many bird species in Florida have been observed feeding on horseshoe crab eggs. In addition, many fish species rely on horseshoe crab eggs for food.
Horseshoe crabs are extremely important to the biomedical industry because their unique, copper-based blue blood contains a substance called Limulus amebocyte lysate. The substance, which coagulates in the presence of small amounts of bacterial toxins, is used to test for sterility of medical equipment and virtually all intravenous drugs. Research on the compound eyes of horseshoe crabs has led to a better understanding of human vision. The marine life fishery collects live horseshoe crabs for resale as aquarium, research, or educational specimens, and the American eel and whelk fisheries use horseshoe crabs extensively as bait along many parts of the Atlantic coast.
(Citaton: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Arachnids
Some Interesting Facts:
- Arachnids range in size 0.1mm to 18cm and include over 62,000 species.
- The scorpions are the largest of the arachnids and measure 5-8 inches in length.
- Mites usually measure less than 1mm in length.
- They are fluid-feeders and obtain their food from living or dead animals or plants.
- Ticks are regarded as one of the most serious pests known to humans and domestic animals. They can cause physical damage, and may produce severe illness or even death.
- Spiders are mostly harmless to humans. Their prey is captured either by being grasped and physically overcome by being trapped in a silken web.
- Arachnids kill their prey by crushing or injecting them with a venom.
biodiversitybasics 