Atlantic Horseshoe Crab: Limulus polyphemus

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Chelicerata
Order: Xiphosura
Family: Limulidae
Genus: Limulus
Species: polyphemus

The horseshoe crab or Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a marine chelicerate arthropod. Despite its name, it is more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions than to crabs. Horseshoe crabs are most commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the northern Atlantic coast of North America. A main area of annual migration is the Delaware Bay, although stray individuals are occasionally found in Europe.

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The best source for Horseshoe Crab information

Cite this Page: Nelson, R. 2008. "Atlantic Horseshoe Crab" (OnLine) UntamedScience. Accessed Feb 09, 2012 at http://www.untamedscience.com/biodiversity/animals/arthropods/horseshoe-crabs-relatives/horseshoe-crabs/limulidae/limulus/atlantic-horseshoe-crab
Nelson, R.
Rob Nelson (author)
University of Hawaii
Created on: Nov 11th, 2008
Last updated: May 31st, 2011

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