The common ghost crab, named for their pale, sandy coloration, which helps them blend into their beach habitats, giving them a "ghost-like" appearance. Their quick, sideways movements and ability to disappear into burrows further enhance this ghostly reputation. Ghost crabs are commonly seen on the sandy beaches of the Galapagos Islands, where they dig deep burrows that serve as both shelter and protection from predators and the heat. They are most active during the night or at twilight, emerging to scavenge for food. These opportunistic feeders consume a variety of food sources, including small fish, insects, plant material, and even carrion. In the Galapagos, ghost crabs play an important ecological role as scavengers, helping to clean up the beaches by consuming organic debris. They also serve as prey for birds and other predators in the island ecosystems.