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Coconut Crab

What is coconut crab?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Scientific name Birgus latro[1]
Common name coconut crab[1]
Other name robber crab / palm thief[2]
Type terrestrial hermit crab[2]
Range southwest Pacific and Indian oceans[1]
Size about 1 metre from leg tip to leg tip[1]

The coconut crab (*Birgus latro*) is the world's largest land-living arthropod, a terrestrial hermit crab found on Indo-Pacific islands, known for its powerful claws that can crack coconuts.

Context

The coconut crab (*Birgus latro*) is the world's largest land-living arthropod, a type of terrestrial hermit crab found on tropical islands in the Indo-Pacific [1]. It is closely related to hermit crabs and king crabs [1]. This nocturnal crab uses its massive pincers to crack open coconuts, and feeds on fallen fruit, carrion, and the shells of other crabs [1]. It can reach about 1 metre from leg tip to leg tip [1].

Documented claims

  • It is closely related to hermit crabs and king crabs. [1]
  • It is a nocturnal land crab. [1]
  • It feeds on fallen fruit, carrion, and the shells of other crabs. [1]
  • It uses its massive pincers to crack open coconuts. [1]

Related

Horseshoe CrabHorseshoe crabs are often confused with coconut crabs due to their similar appearance and coastal habitats.Yeti CrabYeti crabs are deep-sea crustaceans that, like coconut crabs, have unique adaptations to their environments.

Questions and answers

Have coconut crabs ever eaten anyone?

There are no documented cases of coconut crabs eating humans, but they are known to be scavengers and may feed on carrion [1].

Are coconut crabs good for eating?

Coconut crabs are considered a delicacy in some regions, but they are not commonly eaten due to their protected status and the risk of toxicity from their diet [1].

What do you get from killing the coconut crab?

Killing a coconut crab is often illegal due to conservation efforts, and penalties can include fines or imprisonment [1].

Can you touch a coconut crab?

Touching a coconut crab is not recommended because they have powerful claws that can cause serious injury [1].

Sources

  1. Coconut crabs: the bird-eating behemoths thriving on ... — nhm.ac.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Coconut Crab: Facts, Threats & Conservation | WARN — worldanimalrescuenetwork.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature