Xiphosura [Xiphosura]

Description

Xiphosura is the only extant order within the class Merostomata, commonly known as horseshoe crabs. These marine arthropods are characterized by their distinctive horseshoe-shaped carapaces, which cover most of their bodies. They have a long, pointed tail spine or telson, which is used for righting themselves if turned over. Horseshoe crabs are benthic, meaning they live on the sea floor, and can be found in shallow ocean waters on soft sandy or muddy bottoms. They are considered living fossils, with a history dating back over 450 million years. Members of this order are important ecologically and medically, as their blue blood contains amebocytes, which are used to detect bacterial endotoxins in medical applications.

Families

Taxonomy