Hermit crab
It is a type of
crab
that doesn't have a very firm shell. It is not a real
crab and uses other animals' old shells for protection.
As the hermit crab grows, it must find a bigger shell.
The hermit crab is a crustacean
and there are about 500 different species of hermit
crabs around the world. Most hermit crab species live on
the ocean bottom, but many live on land
Body:
Hermit
crabs are invertebrates, animals without a backbone.
They have an exoskeleton, an outer shell that provides
support for their body but does not provide much
protection from predators. They vary in color, from red
to brown to purple, with stripes, dots, and other
patterns. They have ten jointed legs; the front two legs
have large, grasping claws and the rear pair of legs is
very small. They have a flattened body, sensory
antennae, two eyes located at the ends of stalks, and a
soft, twisted abdomen
Foot:
Hermit
crabs are omnivores and scavengers. They eat worms,
plankton,
and organic debris.
Abdomen
- the soft, twisted body of the hermit
crab which contains many of the internal organs. It is
usually hidden inside shell, which gives it much-needed
protection.
Antennae
-
The long sensory organs which are located towards the
front of the crab.
Carapace
- The outer shell of the crab. The
carapace is made of chitin.
Cheliped
– It is one of two big claws used for
defense and food handling.
Eye
-
The two compound eyes are located on eyestalks at the
top of the cephalothorax.
Reduced
4th and 5th legs – they are very
short, jointed legs that are held in reserve within the
shell, and are used to hold onto the inside of the
shell.
Shell
– It is a hard shelter that is temporarily
used by the hermit crab. When the crab grows bigger than
the shell, it must find a new shell.
Walking legs
– They are two pairs of long, jointed legs
used for walking which are attached to the thorax.
