Field Guide
Explore the Field Guide to learn about more than 350 species of birds, fish, insects, algae, invertebrates, mammals, plants, reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chesapeake Bay region.
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Showing: 10 of 71Arks
Family: ArcidaeArks are boxy bivalves with thick, white, ribbed shells. They live in the salty waters of the lower Chesapeake Bay.
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Atlantic Ghost Crab
Ocypode quadrataAlso known as the sand crab, the Atlantic ghost crab is a sand-colored crustacean with a distinct pair of white claws. Ghost crabs are active on coastal beaches in the Chesapeake Bay region from spring through autumn.
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Atlantic Oyster Drill
Urosalpinx cinereaThe Atlantic oyster drill is a small, predatory snail with a pointed, ribbed shell. It lives on reefs, rocks and pilings throughout the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay.
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Atlantic Ribbed Mussel
Geukensia demissaThe Atlantic ribbed mussel is a bivalve with dark, ribbed shells. It is found in low marshes and mud flats throughout the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay.
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Baltimore Checkerspot
Euphydryas phaetonThe Baltimore checkerspot is a black, orange and white butterfly that feeds on white turtlehead leaves and nectar. It can be found in the entire Chesapeake Bay region.
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Barnacles
Order: SessiliaBarnacles are small, grayish-white crustaceans that live on rocks, pilings, boat hulls and other hard surfaces throughout the Chesapeake Bay.
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Bay Scallop
Argopecten irradiansThe bay scallop is a bivalve that lives in the lower Chesapeake Bay’s salty, shallow waters. Its ribbed, multicolored shells are often found on beaches throughout the lower Bay.
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Black-Fingered Mud Crab
Panopeus herbstiiAlso known as the Atlantic mud crab, the black-fingered mud crab is muddy brown in color with stout, black-tipped claws. It can be found on oyster reefs and along the muddy bottoms of marshes.
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Blue Crab
Callinectes sapidusThe blue crab is a swimming crustacean with bright blue claws and an olive green shell. It is one of the most recognizable species in the Chesapeake Bay.
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Boring Sponge
Cliona spp.The boring sponge is a thick, bright yellow sponge that grows on oyster reefs throughout the Chesapeake Bay.
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