Most of the crab exuvia I stumble across during my beach strolls are from Dungeness Crabs, which are commonly a dull buff color. Which is why this bright red shell attracted my attention. Fittingly, the Red Rock Crab (Cancer productus) is named for it’s bright shell. I’m glad I flipped it over to peek inside the shell, that purple is gorgeous!

What purpose does that inner splash of color serve? I can’t think of any biological reason for it. It certainly doesn’t seem necessary for the crab’s survival. Then again, I wonder, maybe all beauty is like that? Not one of the basic necessities of life but something that makes life worth living…