The Nutty Coconut Crab
By: Emily Richards
What IS the Coconut Crab?
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POWER WORDS
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Terrestrialgrowing on land; not aquatic
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AnthropoidAny invertebrate of the phylum
Arthropod, having a segmented
body, jointed limbs and usually a
chitins shell that undergoes
molting . Other examples include
insects, spiders and other
arachnids crustaceans.
The coconut crab [or birgus latro] is the largest
living terrestrial arthropod in the world. Even
though they typically grow up to 3ft and usually
weigh about 9 pounds, they have been known
to grow up to 6ft and weigh 30 pounds! The
coconut crab has adapted so well to land that
they will drown in water. although they still
have lungs capable of breathing underwater,
they are now modified for land. But the females
still have to travel to the sea to lay their eggs.
You will be very glad to hear that these
creatures are omnivores. Their eating habits are
mostly fleshy fruits, nuts, and coconuts, earning
them their name. One of the other reasons it is
named the coconut crab is because of their
ability to climb coconut trees and slice the
coconuts down if they are not available on the
ground. They can also live over 30 years! The
coconut crab comes in many different colors
such as deep purple, brown and violet.
FUN FACT
Many people think that the Coconut Crab is
held responsible for the death of champion
aviator Amelia Earhart for they found human
bones on an island were coconut crabs are
native to. They also added up the fact that they
have a habit of scavenging their food back to
their burrows.
Where are Coconut Crabs native to?
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Coconut crabs live on most coasts
in the blue area; red points are
primary and yellow points
secondary places of settlement
Coconut crabs live on islands in the Indian to
the central Pacific Ocean. The largest and
best-preserved population is found on
Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. The
coconut crab is mostly native to the south
pacific islands such as Christmas, Seychelles,
Cook, Andaman, Nicobar, Carolines Island and
Olango Island in the Philippines. They can also
be found on the British Indian Ocean
Territories where they are protected. You will
be fined $3,000.00 for hunting or eating one.
The coconut crab will dig their own burrow in
sand or loose soil. In Guam, they burrow deep
into limestone for their habitat. They stay in
their underground homes during the day for
protection. They close off the entrances with
their claws to keep it moist inside to help them
breath. One of their odd habits stealing shiny
objects from natives porches or decks or even
from tents of people camping out. They bring
these treasures down to their burrows.
Is the Coconut Crab an important part of
the food chain?
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The coconut crab’s diet consists mostly of fleshy
fruits . Although it has been seen eating other
coconut crab’s and other smaller crab’s dead
carcasses. Once it was even seen catching and
eating a Polynesian rat. One of the other
reasons it was named the Coconut Crab is
because it very much enjoys coconuts and it is
able to do that because of its ability to crack it
open with one swipe!
Coconut crabs are part of the food chain. They
are eaten by humans. Coconut crabs are
considered a delicacy in the Marshall Islands.
Unfortunately, in certain locations during the
Second World War, the U.S Government
conducted experiments with atomic weapons.
As a result, coconut crabs have absorbed above
average levels of cesium 137 , which can be
dangerous in large amounts.
Its Relationship With People
POWER WORDS
Carrion: refers to the carcass
of a dead animal.
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The coconut crab, especially if it is not yet
fully grown, is also sold as a pet, for
example, in Tokyo. The cage must be
strong enough that the animal cannot use
its powerful claws to escape. Should a
coconut crab pinch a person, it will not
only cause pain, but is unlikely to release
its grip.
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The crab is rarely seen by humans. They
stay in their underground burrows during
the day and venture out at night for food.
Some crabs will come up during a rainy
day for the moister or to get a head start
on scavenging for coconuts, other fruits
and carrion.
To find out more…
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http://www.foodreference.com/html/fcocon
utcrab.html
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www.Wikipeidia.org
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http://www.squidoo.com
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