Birgus latro

(Linnaeus, 1767)

Vernacular names

English : Coconut crab
French : Crabe des cocotiers

Classification

Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Coenobitidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

One of the biggest terrestrial arthropods, reaching a legspan of 1 m for a weight up to 3 kg. Huge powerful claws. Long body with thick exoskeleton. Coloration variable from brown to bluish or red. Reddish eyes.

Range and habitat

The species occurs on islands, atolls and archipelagos from Aldabra in Indian Ocean to Pitcairn group and Easter Island in Pacific ocean. Lives in coastline areas, in rocky crevices and sand burrows.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is declining because of habitat loss, predation by introduced species and intensive hunting and capturing for food and trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation