The abdominal appendages of the land hermit crab include the thoracic appendages, pleopods, uropods and telson [1].
The thoracic appendages are used for cleaning the gills, gripping the shell, gripping a mate during copulation.
The pleopods are used for brooding eggs.
At the end of the pleon is the tail fan, comprising a pair of biramous uropods and the telson, which bears the anus. Together, they are used for steering while swimming, and in the caridoid escape reaction.
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Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita)
References:
1. Dardanus megistos by Storm Martin 2012
2. Robert P. D. Crean (November 14, 2004). “Characters and Anatomy”. Order Decapoda. University of Bristol. Retrieved April 23, 2012.
