SYLVIE likes crabs (they tickle her toes). These are some of her favorites.
 

GREEN CRAB Photograph © Gregory Jensen	GREEN CRAB Photograph © Gregory Jensen
The green crab (Carcinus maenas) feeds on clams, oysters, mussels and smaller crabs, including young Dungeness crabs. Also commonly known as the European green crab, the shore crab or the European shore crab, the green crab is capable of learning and can improve its prey-handling skills while foraging. The crab is quicker, more dexterous and can open shells in more ways than other types of crabs.  Despite its name, the green crab often is not green. Its shell is mottled and varies in color. Color may change from green to orange and then red during the molting cycle. The abdomen has patches of yellow with five spines on each side. Typically, an adult green crab is about 2.5 inches long, but can range up to 3 inches.  Native to the Atlantic coasts of Europe and northern Africa, the crab occupies protected rocky shores, sandflats and tidal marshes. The green crab lives up to five years in its northern native range. The versatile crab has invaded both coasts of the United States and many other tidal communities.  For more information on green crabs contact Scott Smith of the WDFW Fish Management Program at (360) 902-2724. E-mail: fishpgm@dfw.wa.gov