Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Crustacea Order Decapoda Family Paguridae Genus Pagurus
Biology
Two adaptations that hermit crabs have for survival are their pinchers and their red or brown colors.
Ecological Importance
Hermit crabs are important in the bottom-dwelling community. They are scavengers and recycle energy back to the ecosystem.
Economical Importance
Bought as pets and used in research of pollution.
Vocab
1) Carapace- The fused head and thorax 2) Omnivorous- Feeds on plants and animals. 3) Abdomen- hind region of the body 4) Pincher- claw at the front of the body used for defense or to capture food. 5) Invertebrate- lacking a spine
Morphology
As they grow, the hermit crabs adopt new shells or make other hermit crabs leave theirs behind. They are usually a reddish or brownish color and have a set of pinchers on their front set of legs. The right pincher is usually larger than the left. Hermit crabs have either bilateral symmetry or are asymmetric due to the shape of their shells.
Distribution Map
Fun Facts
-Hermit crabs are related to lobsters more than crabs. -They take over the abandoned shells of gastropods as means of home and protection. -Birds and fish use hermit crabs as a source for food. -Hermit crabs are omnivorous. -They only mate in their natural habitat and very rarely breed in captivity.