Ghost Crab Earrings

Description

These crab earrings are made of 925 Sterling Silver and their design was inspired by the Ghost Crab (Ocypode gaudichaudii) of the Ocypodidae family.

Did you know that crabs, being part of the Arthropoda phylum, are the ancestors of insects? Although separated by roughly 480 Million Years, they still share the same ancestral characteristics, such as segmented bodies, the presence of exoskeletons, their use of oxygen in metabolism, and the functioning of the respiratory system. Many years later, they all still share some ancestral characteristics such as a segmented body.

The Ghost Crab (Ocypode​​​​​​​ gaudichaudii) derives its name from its pale coloration and nocturnal activity in the intertidal zone, which refers to the portion of land that gets inundated with the high tide and dries with the low tide. Here, it digs deep burrows from which it hunts small animals, such as sea turtle hatchlings. In fact on some nesting beaches, Ghost Crabs can become the principal predator of hatchlings, which they hunt upon their run towards the ocean, drag them into their burrows, and interestingly, most of the time only feed on the turtle’s heads. However, Ghost Crabs also feed on sea turtle eggs, clams, and other crabs, and are general scavengers, which reminds us of the importance of each species in the maintenance of coastal ecosystems.

By purchasing the ghost crab earrings, you can choose to support any of Equipo Tora Carey’s conservation projects, and as we grow, hopefully, the introduction of new projects on other key species, including crabs. Also, if you ever want to visit the site and learn more about the projects, make sure to contact us or Equipo Tora Carey and schedule your visit!