Horseshoe Crab on Beach - Ancient Marine Arthropod in Natural Habitat #3706605 (License: Personal Use)

This image captures a mature horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) resting on a tidal beach, its dark, domed carapace encrusted with white barnacles and small mollusks, indicating time spent in shallow marine environments. Its distinctive long, rigid telson (tail spine) extends into the sand, used for righting itself when overturned. The surrounding wet sand shows subtle ripple patterns, suggesting recent wave activity and ideal spawning conditions.

Used on wildlife education, marine biology, or conservation web pages; supports content about coastal ecosystems, species identification, or citizen science initiatives like horseshoe crab spawning surveys. Matches user intent for learning about ancient arthropods, beachcombing finds, or ecological roles of keystone species.