Description ²

Rocky intertidal hermit crabs in California are represented by the family Paguridae. They live in the abandoned shells of snails to protect their soft abdomens. Carapace grows to approximately 2 cm in length. P. hirsutiusculus, abundant in the mid zone, has white bands on walking legs, dark antennae with fine white bands, and a dark orange-brown body. P. samuelis is the most abundant hermit crab in the high zone of central and southern California. It has a hairy carapace and legs, blue bands on walking legs, and red antennae.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Cassie Milam, all rights reserved, uploaded by Cassie Milam
2. (c) Cassie Milam, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Coastal crabs of NZ (NIWA)
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• World Register of Marine Species

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