The crabs can reach relatively large sizes of over 50 mm carapace width. They are omnivorous and will eat other crabs, clams, insects, vegetation, and detritus. Feeding activity takes place at night, while burrowing occurs during the day. Burrows show zonation with young crabs found closer to shore, near water.
Older crabs tend to burrow farther from water.
The large eyes of the crab are sensitive to changes in light intensity. Combat between males is highly ritualized and rarely ends with contact. One can sometimes hear the bubbling sound of ghost crabs while tanning at the beach. Photos taken at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia. All rights reserved, Copyright, 1998.