This scene could have been taken in prehistoric times. The horseshoe crab is estimated to be over 300 million years old, and their blood is blue! We saw 4 large dead ones on
our walk today at low tide.
More about horseshoe crabs: http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/horseshoecrab/History/index.html
I remember seeing these shells along the beach in Long Island when I was little - they're really unusual looking - as you said, prehistoric looking. It's almost sad to see that many dead ones in one walk.
@aspada The dead horseshoe crabs are always there, no pollution or heat issues, just that they are plentiful in this area of the coast and it seems to be the natural cycle of life. An interesting FYI, they collect them in a nearby town and harvest the blood (taking only 30% of their blood at a time) for medical tests; then return them to Long Island Sound.
They really do look prehistoric. I had a look at your link to find out more - I have never come across these creatures before, so I guess they must be native to you.
