The Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) is the largest land-living arthropod in the world. It is a highly apomorphic hermit crab and is known for its ability to crack coconuts with its strong pincers in order to eat the contents.It is also called the robber crab or palm thief, because some Coconut Crabs are rumored to steal shiny items such as pots and silverware from houses and tents.Coconut Crabs cannot swim and even small specimens will drown in water. They use a special organ called a branchiostegal lung to breathe. This organ can be interpreted as a developmental stage between gills and lungs, and is one of the most significant adaptations of the Coconut Crab to its habitat. Coconut Crabs live on the land, the aesthetascs on their antennae differ significantly from those of other crabs and look more like the smelling organs of insects, called sensilia.The smell of rotting meat, bananas, and coconuts, all potential food sources, catch their attention especially.Coconut Crabs live alone in underground burrows and rock crevices, depending on the local terrain.
They dig their own burrows in sand or loose soil. During the day, the animal stays hidden, to protect itself from predators and reduce water loss from heat.The Coconut Crab is admired for its strength, and it is said[who?] that villagers use this animal to guard their coconut plantations. 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, this is not only painful but the frightened crab will usually hold fast.Adult Coconut Crabs have few natural predators, and significant numbers are eaten only by people. The adults have poor eyesight, and detect enemies based on ground vibration.
The Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) is the largest land-living arthropod in the world. It is a highly apomorphic hermit crab and is known for its ability to crack coconuts with its strong pincers in order to eat the contents.It is also called the robber crab or palm thief, because some Coconut Crabs are rumored to steal shiny items such as pots and silverware from houses and tents.Coconut Crabs cannot swim and even small specimens will drown in water. They use a special organ called a branchiostegal lung to breathe. This organ can be interpreted as a developmental stage between gills and lungs, and is one of the most significant adaptations of the Coconut Crab to its habitat. Coconut Crabs live on the land, the aesthetascs on their antennae differ significantly from those of other crabs and look more like the smelling organs of insects, called sensilia.The smell of rotting meat, bananas, and coconuts, all potential food sources, catch their attention especially.Coconut Crabs live alone in underground burrows and rock crevices, depending on the local terrain. 
They dig their own burrows in sand or loose soil. During the day, the animal stays hidden, to protect itself from predators and reduce water loss from heat.The Coconut Crab is admired for its strength, and it is said[who?] that villagers use this animal to guard their coconut plantations. 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, this is not only painful but the frightened crab will usually hold fast.Adult Coconut Crabs have few natural predators, and significant numbers are eaten only by people. The adults have poor eyesight, and detect enemies based on ground vibration.
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