What is the Origin of the Name Land Hermit Crab?

Before explaining the origin of the name 'Land Hermit Crab,' do you know the origin of the name 'Hermit Crab'? In Japanese, it is written as '宿借り,' meaning 'borrowing a dwelling.' This name comes from the fact that they live in empty shells. The land hermit crab, a type of hermit crab that lives on land ('oka' in Japanese), gets its name from this habitat difference. Additionally, a species called 'Nakiokaya Dokari' (crying land hermit crab) gets its name from the sound it makes by scratching the inside of its shell.

Why Do Land Hermit Crabs Live There?

Land hermit crabs live in warm, humid areas and do not live in water. They inhabit forests near the coast, are nocturnal, and rest under fallen trees, at the base of trees, or in crevices during the day. Their activity is influenced by the tides, leading them to the beach at night. Though they live on land, they breathe with gills, not lungs. To keep their gills moist, they store water in their shells. They also breathe through their skin, which must remain moist. If their gills or skin dry out, they die, so they must stay near water and regularly replenish their moisture. Land hermit crabs prefer warm regions and are very sensitive to cold. They hibernate if temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. They periodically change their shells as they grow, often adjusting their body shape to fit new shells during molting. They can even regenerate lost limbs during molting, and they eat their old shells for nutrients. After molting, their bodies harden over a week.

What Do Land Hermit Crabs Eat?

Land hermit crabs are omnivorous, eating fallen leaves, nuts, fruits, and dead marine animals. They prefer plant matter but also eat fish washed up on the shore. They help clean the beach by eating debris, earning the nickname 'beach cleaners.' They can climb trees to eat fresh leaves, and they also eat human waste, though it's not nutritious for them. It's important not to litter on the beach.

Do Land Hermit Crab Babies Live in the Sea?

While land hermit crabs live on land, their babies start life in the sea. During the breeding season (May to August), the mother lays eggs inside her shell. After the eggs hatch, she releases the larvae into the sea, where they grow by eating plankton. They undergo several molts, becoming 'glaucothoe' (juvenile stage) before settling in shells and moving to land. They continue to molt and grow into adults, which can live for 10-30 years.

Are Land Hermit Crabs Natural Monuments?

There are 15 species of land hermit crabs globally, with seven species in Japan designated as natural monuments. In 1970, the dwindling population on the Ogasawara Islands led to their designation as a natural monument. In Okinawa, where they were more common, they were used as bait. Today, capture is regulated, and only specific licensed businesses can legally capture them for sale as pets or bait.

Are Land Hermit Crabs Endangered?

Some species of land hermit crabs are endangered. For example: ・Sakishima Land Hermit Crab: Endangered ・Large Crying Land Hermit Crab: Near Threatened ・Purple Land Hermit Crab: Near Threatened Habitat loss due to development and environmental degradation has reduced their numbers. Legal capture is allowed for licensed businesses, but illegal capture remains a problem. Regulations include limiting the capture quantity and prohibiting capture during the breeding season. Conservation efforts continue to protect these species.

Can Land Hermit Crabs Be Kept as Pets?

Legally captured land hermit crabs can be kept as pets. They need a sturdy glass tank with a secure lid, a substrate of 1-2mm sand, and regular moisture. The tank should maintain a temperature of 20-30 degrees Celsius and 60-70% humidity. Provide fresh and saltwater for moisture and minerals, and offer various shells for them to choose from. They are omnivorous, eating fruits, vegetables, seaweed, and fish. Though they do not bond with humans, they can live for many years, providing long-term companionship.

Animal Article

Land Hermit Crab

Do you know about the creature called 'Land Hermit Crab'? As the name suggests, they are a type of hermit crab, but they live in different places than typical hermit crabs. Let's explore where these popular pets live and what kind of life they lead!