Coenobita spinosus explained

Coenobita spinosus is one of the sixteen species of terrestrial hermit crabs.

Range and habitat

C. spinosus can be found on Polynesian islands, Melanesia, Micronesia, the Mariana Islands and the northern coast of Australia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and Henderson Island in the Pitcairn Islands where it has been observed to use plastic debris for protection.^{[1] [2]}

C. spinosus notably lives in forests and wetlands, but can also be found on beaches and in lagoons.^[3]

Anatomy

They possess long hairy spines on their legs; although some other species have these spines, none are as long as C. spinosus.

Notes and References

1. http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2017/05/09/1619818114.full Exceptional and rapid accumulation of anthropogenic debris on one of the world’s most remote and pristine islands
2. http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-05-16/plastic-pollution-on-henderson-island-in-south-pacific/8527370 Remote South Pacific island has highest levels of plastic rubbish in the world
3. Web site: Coenobita spinosus. 22 February 2015.