Dr. Chris Chabot, Plymouth State University, and Dr. Win Watson, UNH, have been collaborating to learn more about the ecology, physiology and behavior of the American Horseshoe Crab, Limulus polyphemus.

Horseshoe crabs first appeared in the fossil record about 400 million years ago and remain virtually unchanged since then. This species currently plays important ecological, medical and commercial roles. Among other reasons, they are considered to be a keystone species, their blood is used as the most sensitive assay for detecting the presence of disease-causing bacteria, and they are used for bait in the eel and conch fisheries. Unfortunately, horseshoe crabs, like many other marine creatures, may be in decline.

Our labs have been addressing key issues associated with the timing of behavior and physiological changes in both the lab and in the field.