In: Biology

I am unsure about the set of spots on the legs after the gonopores. Hermit crabs can change gender during a molt so perhaps that is the location of where the male sex tubes would develop after a gender change? Just a theory…. Coenobita rugosus has been found to be intersexual  We are building image galleries of specific body parts. If you have high resolution, clear photos that you would like to donate to this project please upload your photos to Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/ajUgzmoG7co86iH2X0fh Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita) References:Read More →

In: Biology

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‘. We are building image galleries of specific body parts. If you have high resolution, clear photos that you would like to donate to this project please upload your photos to Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/ajUgzmoG7co86iH2X0fh Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita) Photo credits:HUSO Chen Yu-Jung Stacy Griffith References:Read More →

In: Biology

Chela (organ) A chela /kˈiːlə/, also named claw, nipper or pincer, is a pincer-like organ terminating certain limbs of some arthropods.[1] The name comes from Greek (χηλή) through New Latin (chela). The plural form is chelae.[2] Legs bearing a chela are called chelipeds.[3] Another name is claw because most chelae are curved and have a sharp point like a claw. Also called pincer or pincher. We are building image galleries of specific body parts. If you have high resolution, clear photos that you would like to donate to this project please upload your photos to Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/ajUgzmoG7co86iH2X0fh Overview of the anatomy of a landRead More →

In: Biology

Coenobita possess compound eyes comprised of faceted lenses which are especially adept at picking up fine movements. The eyes are located on movable stalks and this is one of the primary ways we determine the species of hermit crab we are looking at.   We are building image galleries of specific body parts. If you have high resolution, clear photos that you would like to donate to this project please upload your photos to Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/ajUgzmoG7co86iH2X0fh 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) onRead More →

In: Biology

The gills of Coenobita and Birgus are modified for air-breathing but are reduced in number and size and have a comparatively small surface area. The branchiostegal lungs of Coenobita (which live in gastropod shells) are very small but are well vascularized and have a thin blood/gas barrier. Coenobita has developed a third respiratory organ, the abdominal lung, that is formed from highly vascularized patches of very thin and intensely-folded dorsal integument. Oxygenated blood from this respiratory surface is returned to the pericardial sinus via the gills (in parallel to the branchiostegal circulation). Birgus, which does not inhabit a gastropod shell, has developed a highly complexRead More →

In: Biology

The land hermit crab (Coenobita) develops a water sac inside of their shell prior to a molt. As shedding of the old exoskeleton begins, this store of water is used to expand the body to stretch and increase size before the soft exoskeleton begins to harden again We are building image galleries of specific body parts. If you have high resolution, clear photos that you would like to donate to this project please upload your photos to Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/ajUgzmoG7co86iH2X0fh Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita)Read More →

In: Biology

grav·id: ˈɡravid/ adjective 1. pregnant; carrying eggs or young. Land hermit crabs carry their brood inside of the shell until they are ready to be released into the ocean. We are building image galleries of specific body parts. If you have high resolution, clear photos that you would like to donate to this project please upload your photos to Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/ajUgzmoG7co86iH2X0fh Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita)Read More →

In: Biology

Hermit crabs in the Coenobita family are Decapods which means they have 10 legs, limbs or appendages. 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. We are building image galleries of specific body parts. If youRead More →

In: Biology

Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita): We are building image galleries of specific body parts. If you have high resolution, clear photos that you would like to donate to this project please contact us via email: crabstreetjournal at gmail dot com Click to be taken to the gallery:Chelipeds or pincersEyesAntenna (antennal flagellum, antennular flagellum, antennule)Mandibles and MaxipellidGills and branchial chamberAbdomen, Uropods, Pleopods, TelsonWater or molt sacEgg clusterGonoporesShieldRead More →