On the Thornham shore this morning

Field Notes
No. 01
Poor little crab 10 August 2026

I think this is an example of Pennant's Swimming Crab Portumnus latipes
At a glance
SpeciesPennant's Swimming Crab
Latin namePortumnus latipes
FamilyCarcinidae
SizeCarapace up to 20mm across
HabitatBurrows in wet sand on sheltered sandy beaches, especially at low tide
Key facts
  • Also known as the Slender Swimcrab
  • Its back legs are flattened into paddles, an adaptation for swimming as well as burrowing
  • First formally described by naturalist Thomas Pennant in 1777, hence the common name

Share this article
The link has been copied!

Member comments

You might also like
Nature ⸱ Gita Bapat

Yew

Field Notes — No. 10 Yew 17th September 2026 I know that this probably didn't start off as wild and it's certainly not a rare find but every year I want to capture the matt, almost velvet beauty of yew berries which aren't in fact
Read More →
Nature ⸱ Gita Bapat

Fungi finds of Autumn 2026

Field Notes Fungi Log Autumn 2026 Fungi finds of Autumn 2026 Giant Polypore 14 September Facts Latin: Meripilus giganteus Size: Rosettes to 50cm+ Habitat: Base of beech/oak Note: Pale flesh bruises black within minutes Oysterling 14 September Facts Latin: Crepidotus sp. Size: Cap 1-6cm Habitat: Dead twigs, broadleaf
Read More →
Nature ⸱ Gita Bapat

A first-time spot on our evening walk

Field Notes No. 09 Badger 12th September 2026 Fergus spotted it, stopped and stared, as is his normal inter-species opening gambit. I thought it was just a fox but when I looked I could not believe that I was finally seeing a badger in the flesh and from their
Read More →