Trace fossils play an important role in reconstructing palaeoecology and depositional environment. Their palaeoecological implications can be better understood when the trace makers are correctly identified. Neoichnology studies the burrow morphologies, behavioral ecology of modern organisms and their interaction with the environment. Neoichnology is of great significance in linking burrowing behaviors of extant organisms with interpretation of trace fossil palaeoecology. This paper reports a study on burrows produced by the ocypodid crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus De Haan) in the tidal region of the Yellow River Delta using CT scanning techniques. Our results show that M. japonicus produces abundant I-, U-, and Y-shaped burrows in a mudflat of the delta. These domicile structures are similar in morphological characteristics to the trace fossil Psilonichnus, suggesting M. japonicus as its possible additional trace maker. Our study supports the usage of Psilonichnus as a significant palaeoenvironmental indicator for coastal and shelf environments. Furthermore, this study highlights the great potential of applying CT techniques in future ichnological-related studies. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ireland Ltd Elsevier B.V. and Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, CAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.