In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Coenobitidae, exploring its multiple facets and aspects that make it a topic of relevance and interest today. From its impact on society to its influence in the cultural sphere, Coenobitidae has captured the attention of experts and fans alike, generating debates, reflections and in-depth analysis. Along these lines, we will closely examine the different aspects of this topic, offering a detailed look that will allow the reader to better understand its importance and implications in the contemporary world.
| Coenobitidae | |
|---|---|
| Coenobita perlatus | |
| Coconut crab, Birgus latro | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Anomura |
| Superfamily: | Paguroidea |
| Family: | Coenobitidae Dana, 1851 |
| Genera | |
The Coenobitidae are the family of terrestrial hermit crabs, widely known for their land-living habits as adults. They are found in coastal tropical regions around the world and require access to the ocean to breed.
Although coenobitids are fully terrestrial as adults, they spend their marine life as planktonic larvae. Female coenobitids return to the sea to hatch their eggs and their larvae develop through planktonic zoeal stages to a megalopa, in a similar way as the marine hermit crabs. Just like these species, after settlement, terrestrial hermit crabs megalopae recognize and co-opt gastropods shells, before migrating into the land and molting to the first crab stage.
The 18 species are placed in two genera:[1]
| Image | Genus | Living species |
|---|---|---|
| Coenobita Latreille, 1829 |
| |
| Birgus Leach, 1816 |
|