Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 5178542
Caribbean Land Hermit Crab
Coenobita clypeatusAlso known as Soldier Crab, West Atlantic Crab, Tree Crab, Purple Pincher
Caribbean land hermit crabs emerge at night to forage across coastal forests and beaches, using modified gills that require high ambient humidity to draw oxygen from the air. Juveniles rely on discarded marine gastropod shells for body protection, swapping to larger shells as they molt and grow throughout their lives. Female crabs travel down to the ocean margin once a year to release fertilized eggs directly into the surf.
TerrestrialNocturnalCrustacean
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fallen Fruit
- Carrion
- Leaf Litter
Predators
- Shorebirds
- Rats
- Herons
ThreatsCoastal development, habitat loss, shell depletion, and wild collection for the pet trade
HabitatsCoastal forests, mangrove swamps, sand dunes, and tropical scrublands
Life span12 to 30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCoenobitidae
- SpeciesCoenobita clypeatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a sharp pinch with its large claw when feeling threatened.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for active crabs in damp leaf litter or climbing lower tree branches after sunset.
- Shell Protection: Leave empty wild shells on the beach so growing crabs can find suitable homes.
- Safe Handling: Avoid pinches by supporting the crab gently from underneath its shell.
Coastal Neighbor (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) David Stanley, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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