The Cephalic shield [1] or carapace is part of the exoskeleton that covers the cephalothorax. It functions as a protective cover, hence the common name ‘shield’.

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Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita)

Photo credits:
HUSO Chen Yu-Jung

Stacy Griffith

References:

1. Dardanus megistos by Storm Martin 2012