|
Pagurus spp. (Hermit crab)
Copyright ©
2005 Mary Jo Adams
The
hairy hermit crab ( Pagurus hirsutiusculus ) is found a
bit higher in the intertidal than the other two local species.
Look for it in the high and mid zones and ranging to a depth of
360 feet. This species tends to live in cramped quarters,
inhabiting a shell that seems a bit too small and that the animal
cannot withdraw its body into completely. Look for white
bands toward the distal ends of the walking legs and antenna that
are colored gray-brown with lighter bands. There may also
be some blue dots on the walking legs but this is variable.
The carapace of this small animal reaches a maximum length of about
0.8 inch
The
hairy hermit crab pictured above has come out of his shell.
This page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 12/6/05.
|
