DSC_4785 Mantis shrimp (Heterosquilla tricarinata) habitat. Found throughout New Zealand on sandy or muddy intertidal flats living in deep burrows from mid to low tide. Most common on sheltered silty-sand shorelines, sometimes in association with sea grass beds. Papanui Inlet, Otago Peninsula
DSC_5032 Mantis shrimp (Heterosquilla tricarinata) head of burrowing female. Found throughout New Zealand on sandy or muddy intertidal flats living in deep burrows. Name refers to the curious pincers which resemble those of the preying mantis. Papanui Inlet, Otago Peninsula *