Crabs are an important scavenger of the intertidal and littoral zones. “Sallies” are found in great numbers along all rocky coasts and are the most colorful of all native species. Although the juveniles are principally scavengers, as adults they become predators preying on everything the gets in their way, including their own species. In turn they are preyed upon by various birds. The American Oystercatcher in particular seems to delight in chasing the Sallies, which are surprisingly fast and not easily captured.

Sallies seem to have a somewhat symbiotinc relationship with marine iguanas. These large vegetarian lizards allow the crabs to crawl over them.

For the photographer, Sally Lightfoots are not easily approached; as predators they fear predation in turn. But, if you sit quietly on the rocks they will soon accept your presence and will readily approach within short telephoto distance. Spot meter directly off the crabs; the surrounding lava rocks will fool any meter set on averaging or evaluative/matrix metering into overexposing the shot.

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