The Common Spider Crab (Libinia emarginata) This slow-walking scavenger is found along the entire East Coast. Harmless to humans and not particularly aggressive in general, the spider crab's main defense against predators is camouflage: the hook-like hairs on the crab's shell (carapace) hold algae and other small debris in place. The dead spider crab in the photo was washed ashore on the Assateague beach.

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