The coconut crab is a land-dwelling “hermit” crab, also known as the robber crab or palm thief. It is the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world. Moreover, it is also the strongest crab in the world. The claws of the coconut crab are powerful enough to break open a coconut, and they can lift weights of up to 28 kg.
The coconut crab (Birgus latro) is a terrestrial hermit crab. It is the largest land-dwelling arthropod in the world and also possesses the largest exoskeleton of any terrestrial animal on Earth.
As they live on land, their bodies have developed a special type of lung for breathing instead of using gills. Coconut crabs cannot swim and will drown if submerged in water for too long. They can be found on islands in the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific, as far east as the Gambier Islands, reflecting the distribution of coconuts. They have become extinct in most areas with significant populations, including mainland Australia and Madagascar.
If coconuts are not available on the ground, coconut crabs can climb trees and cut them down. They are nicknamed “robber crabs” by locals due to their climbing skills and lightning-fast coconut theft.
Although Birgus latro is a species related to hermit crabs, only the juveniles use shells to protect their soft abdomens, while larger individuals sometimes use damaged coconut shells for protection.
They have a well-developed sense of smell, which they use to search for potential food sources. Coconut crabs reach sexual maturity after about five years, and their total lifespan can exceed 60 years.
Large coconut crabs eat fruits, nuts, and the core of fallen trees. They climb coconut trees and eat coconuts by cracking open the shell and consuming the flesh. However, coconuts are not a significant part of their diet.
They are primarily nocturnal animals with shiny red eyes, accompanied by four long antennae hanging from their heads. This species of crab possesses two massive, asymmetrical claws that can sever the body of any creature they consider prey.
Seemingly harmless, in reality, coconut crabs wear a tough and incredibly sturdy exoskeleton, resembling a giant killing machine. An adult coconut crab can weigh up to 4.1 kg, with a leg span of nearly 1 meter. Many who see this species for the first time are bound to be startled and “terrified.”
However, like other crab species, coconut crabs are actually omnivorous; besides coconuts, they also eat sweet potatoes, papayas, peanuts, and even carrion.
