Those curious creatures the crabs are especially interesting because of the variety found among them. The best known are probably the blue crab of the Atlantic and the king crab of the northern Pacific, widely eaten as delicacies. Yet hundreds of other species live in many parts of the world and in numerous land and water habitats.

In this informative introduction, the authors discuss many crab families and tell how different species live. First they describe the general physical structure of crabs; then they present the basic facts of their behavior. They explain how crabs court and mate, raise their young, feed, and protect themselves. Especially remarkable is their ability to regenerate a lost leg or claw. In conclusion, the authors report on the industry that has been created to harvest and market crabs commercially.

Illustrated in careful detail through-out, and featuring a helpful six-page identification section, this book will add greatly to the reader's knowledge of a versatile and durable group of animals.

From the dust jacket