History of Horseshoe crab in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 19, 2024

Horseshoe crabs, members of the Limulidae family, are the last surviving xiphosurans. Despite their name, they are not true crabs but chelicerates, making them closer relatives to arachnids like spiders and scorpions. Their body comprises three parts: the cephalothorax, abdomen, and telson. The horseshoe-shaped cephalothorax contains most of the animal's eyes, limbs, and internal organs. Having changed little since the Triassic period, they are considered "living fossils".

1986: Discovery of rFC as an Alternative to LAL

In 1986, researchers at Kyushu University found that isolated rFC could be used as an alternative to LAL for the same medical tests.

May 2003: Synthetic rFC Availability

In May 2003, synthetically isolated Limulus clotting factor C (rFC) became available, offering an alternative to horseshoe crab blood in medical testing.

2008: Horseshoe Crab Harvesting Ban in New Jersey

In 2008, New Jersey indefinitely banned the use of horseshoe crabs as fishing bait to protect the red knot, a shorebird reliant on their eggs. Delaware banned catching female crabs, and South Carolina implemented a permanent moratorium.

2010: Decline in Indo-Pacific Horseshoe Crab Population

The Indo-Pacific horseshoe crab population significantly declined in Malaysia and Indonesia after 2010. Overharvesting for food, especially of gravid females, is a primary cause, leading to an unbalanced sex ratio.

2013: Increased rFC Production and Acceptance

By 2013, Hyglos GmbH started producing rFC, alongside Lonza Group, and European regulators accepted it. Combined with Eli Lilly and Company's support, these developments suggest a decrease in harvesting horseshoe crab blood.

2015: Phylogeny of Xiphosurans

A 2015 phylogeny indicated that extinct xiphosurans transitioned to freshwater habitats at least five times. This transition also occurred twice in horseshoe crabs, with Victalimulus and Limulitella inhabiting swamps and rivers.

December 2019: US Senate Report on Pyrogenicity Tests

In December 2019, a US Senate report encouraged the FDA to evaluate and promote the use of alternative pyrogenicity tests, potentially reducing the reliance on horseshoe crab blood. This report received backing from PETA.

June 2020: U.S. Pharmacopeia Decision on rFC

In June 2020, the U.S. Pharmacopeia decided not to give rFC equal standing with horseshoe crab blood. This decision might hinder wider rFC adoption as companies would need to demonstrate its safety and efficacy, potentially deterring them from using the substitute.

2020: Lamsdell et al. Publication

In 2020, Lamsdell et al. published a work, the specifics of which are not included in the current text.

2021: Bicknell et al. Publication

In 2021, Bicknell et al. published a work, the details of which are not provided here.

2023: Horseshoe Crab Harvesting Halt in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

In 2023, the US Fish and Wildlife Service stopped horseshoe crab harvesting in South Carolina's Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge from March 15 to July 15 to support their reproduction and protect the food source for migratory birds.