Red-legged Golden Orb-web Spider (Nephila sumptuosa)

Red-legged Golden Orb-web Spider (Nephila sumptuosa)

The only one of this species I encountered. A magnificent, large spider! I also found a small male on the outer fringes of the large web made by this female.…


Socotra hermit crab

Socotra hermit crab

This is one of many hermits roaming the beaches of the western cape of Socotra.


Potamon socotrensis

Socotra freshwater crab (Socotrapotamon socotrense)

I found a surprising number of freshwater crabs at this permanent pool of water. Some were under water others were preparing for a day hidden from the sun…


Potamon socotrensis

Socotra freshwater crab (Socotrapotamon socotrense)

I found a surprising number of freshwater crabs at this permanent pool of water. Some were under water, some were wandering out in the open, others were…


Mottled Lightfoot Crab (Grapsus albolineatus)

Mottled Lightfoot Crab (Grapsus albolineatus)

From a distance I first thought there were no marine crabs on the cliffs of Socotra as I was picturing bright red ones like those of Galapagos. When I had some…


Mottled Lightfoot Crab (Grapsus albolineatus)

Mottled Lightfoot Crab (Grapsus albolineatus)

From a distance I first thought there were no marine crabs on the cliffs of Socotra as I was picturing colorful ones like those of Galapagos. When I had some…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

I found a huge number of this species. At night they were crawling everywhere on land - wherever I walked these crabs were foraging. These shots are at sunset,…


Socotra spider 01

Socotra spider 01

I found this spider on the edge of the mangrove forest of Shuab beach in West Socotra. The web was huge - a really busy spider that seems to have plenty of…