Land hermit crabs have two pairs of antennae. The antennae are vital sensory organs that allow Coenobita to locate the ocean, their food and to explore their surroundings. Coenobita rely on humidity in the air to aid them in smelling and locating various odors. In Coenobita Violascens the antennal acicle is fused with second peduncular segment. To capture odors, crustaceans move their antennules back and forth through the water in a motion called flicking.
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Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita)
Photo Credits:
The Crab Street Journal has been granted permission by these photographers to use their photo(s) on our site.
Glen R
Mount Gao
