Coronis excavatrix Mantis Shrimp

    This Coronis excavatrix was found burrowing just under the surface near the low water mark following the passage of Hurricane Frances. While Mantis Shrimp of several species are periodically found on the open beaches of northeast Florida, they are much more likely to be encountered in a somewhat  sheltered environments such as inlets/sounds. Special thanks to Dr. Quint White of Jacksonville University for the identification assistance.

Little Talbot Island State Park, Duval County, Florida 9/8/2004 (about 27 mm.)