Blue Land Crab
Cardisoma guanhumi
The Blue Land Crab is a large coastal burrower whose seasonal movements are a memorable part of South Florida’s rainy season.
The Blue Land Crab is a large coastal burrower whose seasonal movements are a memorable part of South Florida’s rainy season.
A large land crab with long legs, unequal claws, and color ranging from gray to vivid blue or purple; younger crabs may be brown with orange legs.
Excavates deep burrows that reach moist soil or groundwater and moves toward saltwater to release larvae.
Keep fingers away from the claws. Do not block active burrows or handle egg-bearing females.
Harvest is regulated by FWC and includes licensing, size, possession, gear, and seasonal rules. Review current regulations before taking any crab.
Habitat:
Canals and Ditches, Estuaries and Bays, Mangroves and Salt Marshes, Coastal Waters
Area / Range:
Central Florida, South Florida, Florida Keys, Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast
Diet:
Leaves, fruit, seeds, insects, carrion, and other organic matter near its burrow.
Behavior:
Excavates deep burrows that reach moist soil or groundwater and moves toward saltwater to release larvae.
Nighttime, Dawn, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm rainy nights, especially during seasonal migrations
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Regulated Harvest Species
Safety Level:
Use Caution
Safety Information:
Keep fingers away from the claws. Do not block active burrows or handle egg-bearing females.
Benefits to Property:
Recycles plant material and aerates coastal soils through burrowing.
Property Concerns:
Burrows can undermine soft banks, lawns, or landscaping, and migrating crabs sometimes enter roads and garages.
Fun Fact:
It lives mostly on land but its larvae must develop in saltwater.
Wildlife Laws:
Harvest is regulated by FWC and includes licensing, size, possession, gear, and seasonal rules. Review current regulations before taking any crab.
Identification:
A large land crab with long legs, unequal claws, and color ranging from gray to vivid blue or purple; younger crabs may be brown with orange legs.