Terrestrial hermit crab

Oruhi | ’Ua

This hermit crab is the most common one that one can encounter in the Indo-Pacific. That being said, it is rather rare to come across it on Tetiaroa. It is recognizable by its two black spots present under its ocular pedicles which are laterally compressed, and the tidy streak that is present on its largest claw. It can produce a shrill sound by rubbing its wrinkled claw on the inside of its leg. Its color can vary from gray to green to orange, in short, it is not very specific. We find this crab on the beach or on the inside of the motu. Its antennae, used to feel around and smell the air are grey and yellow-orange. Generally these hermit crabs are short and large.