Here in south Brazil, mole crabs (Emerita brasiliensis) are very
common and abundant. Eventhough populations are seasonal, it
seems that they have decreased in the past years.
One reason for that (besides oil pollution) is collectin, as it
is used for bait and for food (in some places).

It is always nice to see an Olivancillaria vesica praying on
Emerita brasiliensis.

Regards
Fabio Wiggers

 --- Andy Rindsberg <[log in to unmask]> escreveu:
> Dear Conchlers,
>
> We've discussed the merits of Donax variabilis as an
> "environmental health
> indicator" on Gulf and Atlantic beaches in the U.S. I've also
> been measuring
> the ocurrence of mole crabs (Emerita talpoida) on Alabama
> beaches. For
> photos, see:
>
>
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/pictures/Eucarida.html
>
> What perplexes me is that I haven't seen many of them, even
> though we
> sampled at all seasons and in undeveloped areas as well as
> urbanized ones.
> My impression from the 70s is that if you built a sand castle,
> you would
> very often disturb a mole crab or two. On the beaches you know
> best, and
> bearing in mind that the populations are seasonal, have mole
> crab
> populations stayed pretty much the same, increased, or
> decreased in your
> experience?
>
> Cheers,
> Andy
>
> Andrew K. Rindsberg
> Geological Survey of Alabama
>





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