The body is covered by a chitinous shell called a carapace. Common Name List of Crab Species Common names of species described and pictured in this web site are listed below. To go directly to a particular animal in this list click on its name. If you prefer to look at the image gallery of a group click on a heading. Because that's the way their legs bend.
Muscles work in pairs.
Crabs of the Seashore One of the first animals that you are likely to find on a visit to the coast is the crab. They can be found in many different shapes and sizes, scurrying across the sand at the approach of human feet. Look for them under stones and rocks and pieces of seaweed. This slow-walking scavenger is found along the entire East Coast. The most common type of horseshoe crab has the scientific classification of Limulus polyphemus.