Bright Crab?

As Hurricane Nicole approaches on 11/9/2022, a blue land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) has worked hard to raise the height of the entry to its burrow. Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) and Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL) are home to lots of blue land crab burrows, as is our driveway.

During the prior hurricane, Hurricane Ian, many of the burrows along our driveway were inundated. Only one crab, however, has taken measures to elevate the entry to its burrow. Blue land crab enter their burrows sideways. Given the size of the entry hole, this crab likely is smallish, young, and smart?

Note the fallen red mangrove flower (Rhizophora mangle) and fallen leaves at the bottom center of the photo.

Click here to see the crafty construction of some other blue land crabs.