thousands of poisonous crabs flooded the beaches of Cornwall sheds its shells before returning to the depths of sea.
Carpet of crabs that have gathered in shallow water of St Ives is a place that is becoming more and more common in summer because of rising sea temperature.
Spider crabs are instantly recognizable for their long legs and pincer claws, and a venomous bite that is venomous to their prey but harmless to humans.
While their presence on Portgwydden Beach was enough to put many bathers off entering the sea, some took chance float above the mass of crustaceans to view a sight that will make your hair stand on end.
Once the crabs shed their shells, they return to the depths. of 300 feet out of the water clear for those who hope to ride in water.
Kate Lowe, marine photographer, captured event in same week blue shark bites woman snorkeling further along the coast of Cornwall, off Penzance.
Kate said: “Most of all I do snorkeling. of time throughout the year but I never saw spider crabs in such numbers.
Photo: Keith Lowe/BNPS
“When we applied up there seemed to be a lot on the beach of dark rocks below the surface.
“But it turned out out that there were thousands of crabs just two or three steps in water.
“It was just really unbelievable, they were only knee-deep. i was able to swim on water over them and tried not to step on them.
“A lot of of tourists squealed at the sight of them.
“Their shells were just floating around.”
Photo: Keith Lowe/BNPS
Spider crabs – Hyas araneus in Latin – usually collected in huge numbers in shallow water to protect themselves from predators.
