Atlantic Horseshoe Crab

Common Name: Atlantic Sea Nettle
Scientific Name: Limulus polyphemus
Basic Physical Description: Brown carapace, a long, sharp talon (tail), 5 pairs of appendages (female front appendages are “peace sign” shaped, male front appendages are “boxing glove” shaped), and nine eyes; two large compound eyes and seven simple eyes that detect light and motion.
Range of Habitat: Atlantic coastline from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico
Local Habitat: Coastlines and estuaries during the spring and summer, moving the deeper waters in the fall and winter
Interesting Facts: -Their blood is used in the medical industry and was recently used to screen COVID vaccines for bacterial toxins