REF adopts the soldier crab as its symbol

Not many of us would know what a Mictyris longicarpus is but, if we saw one, we would call it a 'soldier crab'.

Actually you rarely see one on its own. These crabs are found in very large groups. Hence their name 'soldier crabs'.

Soldier crabs live amongst the mangroves and mud flats around the Redcliffe Peninsula. Here they are scavengers living on small particles of decaying vegetation and animals. They sift through the sand looking for food. They often leave lines of little sand balls or pellets where they have been feeding.

Soldier crabs are one of the few crabs which can walk forwards. Most crabs scuttle sideways. When disturbed, soldier crabs will quickly burrow into the sand in a corkscrew movement.

Soldier crabs are not very big only growing to about 1.5cms. Because they are small they are not found on our tables as lunch or dinner but they do make good food for local birds such as ibises and herons.

The symbol was selected because it is hoped that REF will be a large army of people doing their bit for Redcliffe's environment. The symbol was drawn by REF President Bob Crudgington.