8 ANIMALS THAT LIVE IN MUD AND THE UNIQUE WAYS THEY HELP OUR ECOSYSTEM

Mudskippers help maintain the balance of coastal ecosystems by preventing the buildup of excess algae and nutrients in the mud.

[{"selector":"#anim-8010bdd8-9213-426f-a051-afedb5ab7aca [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.46874982933859%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Fiddler crabs live in burrows in the mud and are known for their large claws. They dig tunnels that help drain excess water from the mud.

[{"selector":"#anim-79c02cf1-85b7-47f5-997a-efd7eee514ba [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-14.398733961188093%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Earthworms live in moist, muddy soil and are known for their tunneling behavior. They feed on decaying organic matter.

[{"selector":"#anim-11c76ad8-1928-4a24-bfa4-33bbe5e5b54f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, -0.00004126213617539065%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

These non-venomous snakes live in the mud, where they burrow to hunt for earthworms and other small invertebrates.

[{"selector":"#anim-2716a70b-e2e3-42e9-8179-9b65e6782ff7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-49.99999988625351%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Mud turtles spend much of their life buried in the mud in freshwater environments.

[{"selector":"#anim-73d9dfed-01e6-4134-8375-6c0cf79826f7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(56.63407794914777%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

These wasps build their nests out of mud and clay on various structures. They typically prey on spiders and store them in their mud nests for larvae to feed on.

[{"selector":"#anim-4a17a579-faa8-461a-b150-3a29b817537f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-22.368420944845425%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Some species of bats, like the Mexican free-tailed bat, roost in muddy caves or near wetlands.

[{"selector":"#anim-37dba03c-61d1-40f4-8094-5423068cc729 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.246337776828504%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]