Coconut Crab

Birgus latro

Range

• Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Fiji, New Zealand

Habitat

• Marine coastal habitats

Diet

• Fruits
• Nuts
• Seeds
• The pith of fallen trees
• Carrion

Able to grow up to 3 feet in length, the coconut crab is the largest land-living arthropod on the planet.

During the day these animals stay hidden in underground burrows or rock crevices. While hiding, these crabs will close the entrance to their burrow to protect themselves from predators and maintain the moist environment they need to survive.