
08/26/2025
❤️ Our crew loves sharing all about marine life and our unique ecosystem on our Saltwater Marsh Eco Tours, but here are some fun facts and information about a rare visitor to our area! Check it out below and let us know if you’ve had the chance to meet them yet… or if you never want to… ⬇️
🦋🌊 Have you seen the mysterious fiberglass-like things that many people have reported in the water and washing up along the beaches of Murrells Inlet and the Grand Strand this week? Hurricane Erin stirred up swarms of ghostly little creatures known as sea butterflies — and they’ve arrived just in time for spooky season! 👻🍂
Meet the sea butterflies which really aren’t insects at all. They’re tiny marine snails that flap wing-like appendages to “fly” through the water, giving them their name. 🦋
⚠️ These little snails are NOT venomous.
😫 They can leave a mild “sting” or pins and needle sensation if you touch them, step on them, or if they get stuck in your swimsuit 🥴 🩱.
🌀 Strong storms like Hurricane Erin can wash them ashore in large numbers.
🌎 Because they are considered an indicator species, scientists study their shells and population to monitor the health of our oceans.
So, if you’re walking the beach in Murrells Inlet or Myrtle Beach, keep your eyes open, wear shoes and be cautious in the water— the ocean’s tiniest trick-or-treaters are here! 🧡🖤