Coconut crab (Birgus latro)
Coconut crab (Birgus latro) Coconut crab
Size: 50 cm from claw to claw.
The immense Coconut Crab (or Robber Crab) is the largest terrestrial arthropod on earth, (Grub 1971). They have been found to attain weights in excess of 5kg (Fletcher & Amos 1994) and can span over 50cm from claw to claw, (Reyne 1939). They are very powerful creatures and have vastly strong pincers. These ‘chelae’ can easily cut through an ordinary broom handle, (Johnson 1965).
Habitat/Behavior: This species is a type of land hermit crab with a spectacular appearance and intriguing biology. It is the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world and is able to grow to relatively gigantic proportions. Unlike most other hermit crabs, only the juveniles of this species find and use gastropod shells for protection as they develop. Adults have abandoned the shell-carrying habit, and instead have hardened shells over the abdomen. This protects the crab, reduces water loss and does not restrict its growth, allowing it to reach up to a metre in size. This huge crustacean is well adapted to life on land with long strong legs. It also has large muscular claws which are used for punching holes in coconuts and scooping out the flesh. This is a unique behaviour amongst crabs and explains why this species is called the coconut crab. The claws are in fact so powerful they can lift objects such as vegetation or rocks weighing up to 28 kg. Its stalked eyes are red, and this crab’s body colour varies between islands from purplish-blue to orange-red. Studies show that males are considerably larger than females.
warningThe Coconut crab is a rare and endangered animal. Do not eat the crab as a delicacy in restaurants. (Common up to 2002) Various conservation projects have been started around the world to save this large and unique arthropod.
More information on the Coconut crab from scientist William Murdoch.
Reaction to people: Shy and will evade all humans when it can. Not fast.
Coconut crab (Birgus latro) Coconut crab
Size: 50 cm from claw to claw.
The immense Coconut Crab (or Robber Crab) is the largest terrestrial arthropod on earth, (Grub 1971). They have been found to attain weights in excess of 5kg (Fletcher & Amos 1994) and can span over 50cm from claw to claw, (Reyne 1939). They are very powerful creatures and have vastly strong pincers. These ‘chelae’ can easily cut through an ordinary broom handle, (Johnson 1965).
Habitat/Behavior: This species is a type of land hermit crab with a spectacular appearance and intriguing biology. It is the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world and is able to grow to relatively gigantic proportions. Unlike most other hermit crabs, only the juveniles of this species find and use gastropod shells for protection as they develop. Adults have abandoned the shell-carrying habit, and instead have hardened shells over the abdomen. This protects the crab, reduces water loss and does not restrict its growth, allowing it to reach up to a metre in size. This huge crustacean is well adapted to life on land with long strong legs. It also has large muscular claws which are used for punching holes in coconuts and scooping out the flesh. This is a unique behaviour amongst crabs and explains why this species is called the coconut crab. The claws are in fact so powerful they can lift objects such as vegetation or rocks weighing up to 28 kg. Its stalked eyes are red, and this crab’s body colour varies between islands from purplish-blue to orange-red. Studies show that males are considerably larger than females.
warningThe Coconut crab is a rare and endangered animal. Do not eat the crab as a delicacy in restaurants. (Common up to 2002) Various conservation projects have been started around the world to save this large and unique arthropod.
More information on the Coconut crab from scientist William Murdoch.
Reaction to people: Shy and will evade all humans when it can. Not fast.