As the rainy season sweeps across our coastal forests, a colorful and fascinating phenomenon emerges – the massive sighting of Halloween crabs. These striking creatures, adorned with vibrant orange, purple, and black hues, captivate the eyes of anyone lucky enough to witness their journey.
Halloween crabs (Gecarcinus quadratus), typically residing in the forest, embark on an extraordinary migration to the sea for reproduction. The arrival of the rains signals the start of this journey, driving the crabs towards the coast. Here, they spend a few weeks engaging in their reproductive rituals before embarking on the trek back inland.
This inland migration is when these crabs become most visible to us. Traversing through forests, they dig tunnels, creating their unique homes where they will spend a significant portion of their adult lives. These tunnels offer them protection and a place to thrive, largely feasting on leaf litter and seedlings, contributing to the ecosystem's balance.
Their journey is a testament to the intricate cycles of nature, showcasing the interconnectedness of land and sea. Observing the Halloween crabs in their vibrant glory is not just a visual delight but also a reminder of the marvels of the natural world that continue to unfold around us.