Conclusion
In summary, in sleuthing the trails of horseshoe crabs, whether observing spawning or in interpreting the trails they have left behind, a camera is a prerequisite for a complete record. No spawning group or any trail appear to be exactly alike another although there may be several similarities. That is what makes the deciphering so interesting; even when watching spawning or a trail being made. Afterwards, with only the trail remaining, much has to be imagined. Since the trails are so transitory, a good photograph is needed to refresh ones memory.
At least two main considerations must be made when looking at a trail. The characteristics and condition of the substrate and the various evidence of activity left by the crab. It is the attempt to unravel of all the possible combinations of conditions and activity that make the study of these prints so fascinating.
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Shuster, C.N. (2002). Tracks and Trails. In: Tanacredi, J.T. (eds) Limulus in the Limelight. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47590-1_6
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