Emerita talpoidea Mole Crab

    The Mole Crab, probably better known to fisherman as the "Sand Flea," is a very common species on northeast Florida beaches during the warmer months. The species is found intertidally buried in the sand with its two feathery antennae extended filtering organic detritus and plankton from the water. It is widely collected by fisherman for use as bait. The illustrated specimen, measuring about 20 mm., was photographed at Hanna Park Beach, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida 2/6/2013.