Coconut crabs are fascinating creatures that are known for their impressive size, strength, and unique abilities. They are the largest land crabs in the world and can weigh over 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) and span nearly a meter (3 feet) across. They are found in various locations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including islands such as Christmas Island, Fiji, and … [Read more...] about Coconut Crabs: Attracted to Food and Capable of Surprising Feats
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The Surprising Eyesight of Horseshoe Crabs: A Closer Look at Their 10 Eyes
Horseshoe crabs are fascinating creatures that have been around for millions of years, and despite their armored appearance, they have a surprising ability - they can see. Horseshoe crabs have ten eyes, which are located in different parts of their body. The most prominent eyes of horseshoe crabs are their compound eyes, which are located on the prosoma, the front part of … [Read more...] about The Surprising Eyesight of Horseshoe Crabs: A Closer Look at Their 10 Eyes
Thousands of Ancient Horseshoe Crabs Are Dying Off The Japanese Coast
Horseshoe crabs have survived five great extinctions, including one that wiped off 96 percent of all species on Earth, yet they are dying in large numbers off the coast of Japan this year for unknown reasons. The shallow seas near Kitakyushu are normally ideal habitat for one of four crab species (Tachypleus tridentatus), and are regarded the most significant breeding area for … [Read more...] about Thousands of Ancient Horseshoe Crabs Are Dying Off The Japanese Coast
Why Does Evolution Keep Creating Crabs Out of Everything?
If you've spent enough time online, you've probably heard the meme that claims everything eventually turns into crabs. The meme claims that whether you are a fish or Sean Penn, you will eventually turn into a crab. This is obviously just a joke, but it's based on some amusing evolution. Because, as you can see, everything in nature (luckily just crustaceans) appears to be … [Read more...] about Why Does Evolution Keep Creating Crabs Out of Everything?
Hermit Crabs Form a Queue to Exchange Their Shells
In this footage from the BBC's Life Story, presented by Sir David Attenborough, there's an incredible sight: Hermit crabs self-arrange in a line from smallest to largest. They're eager to swap shells, but why? According to Attenborough, "when a crab grows, its shell becomes an ever-tighter fit, so the crabs finally need to migrate into a bigger one." As a result, these small … [Read more...] about Hermit Crabs Form a Queue to Exchange Their Shells