Setae draw water from mud: marsh crab

Tufts on marsh crab legs draw water from mud by using hydrophilic setae (stiff hair-like structures).

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Drawing water out of mud.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Some species, including Sesarma, have an additional means of gaining water from the soil by what are, in effect, roots. Tufts of hydrophilic setae at the bases of the legs are brought into contact with the moist surface of the mud and can actually draw water into the crab's body (Burggren and McMahon 1988)." (Hogarth 1999:102)

About the inspiring organism

Sesarma
Sesarma

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Drawing water out of mud.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Water collection

References

Hogarth, P. J. The biology of mangroves. Oxford University Press. 228 p.

Setae draw water from mud: marsh crab

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