Leaf Porter Crab

Have you ever seen a lone leaf moving strangely against the current? That could be the work of a leaf porter crab! As its name suggests, this small but ingenious crab likes to carry a protective leaf, shell or other floating debris (sometimes plastic, unfortunately) over its body. These inconspicuous objects act as camouflage, helping this clever crab to evade detection by predators.

Leaf porter crabs are everywhere as long as you know where to look! The next time you see a leaf moving oddly all by itself in the intertidal zone, try flipping it over to spot the sneaky leaf porter crab hiding underneath!