Its Monday, its Raining and I’m Crabby

Where’s my umbrella? Ah! There it is.

Cryptolithodes sitchensis, or commonly known as the Umbrella Crab, Sitka Crab or Turtle Crab, is a species of lithodid crustacean native to coastal regions of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Alaska to California.

These covered crabs are a kind of tiny King Crab that lives in the intertidal zone. If you can find one, all you'll really see is a suspicious stone about 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) across. This is their carapace, which extends over their entire body with room spare for their legs and claws.

Tiny eyes peer through the helmet arches, like bug eyed little soldiers.

Umbrella Crabs come in a whole range of colours, from sandy and stony browns to vibrant reds and pinks. Even the more extravagant end of the spectrum serves as camouflage because they feed on a coralline algae which is usually pink or red.

Keep your eyes peeled for these unique members of the crab family. Getting a good shot of these guys can be tough just keep your gear dry and ready to get a shot.

Hope wherever you are is warm and sunny but if it isn’t hopefully you keep dry and warm.

Have a great day!

Scott

For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/