Tawny Hermit Crab

Coenobita rugosus

This species can produce a distinct chirping sound by rubbing its large claw against its shell, a defense mechanism to startle predators.

Scientific name: Coenobita rugosus
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Malacostraca › Decapoda › Coenobitidae › Coenobita
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: wetland
Habitat: Sandy beaches, coastal dunes, mangroves, and coastal forests near the high-tide line.
Diet: Omnivorous scavenger feeding on decaying vegetation, detritus, fallen fruit, and carrion.
Range: East Africa, Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, Pacific Islands
Size: Carapace length up to 30 mm, overall size determined by occupied shell.
Lifespan: 10-30 years
Active: nocturnal
Threats: Coastal development, plastic pollution (trapping crabs in containers), and collection for the pet trade.
Safe to approach?: Harmless and defensive. If encountered, observe quietly. Avoid handling to prevent stress. If picked up, they may pinch with their left claw; if pinched, place the crab on a flat surface and wait for it to release. Wash any minor pinches with soap and water.

Coenobita rugosus is a species of land hermit crab native to Indonesia, Australia and the east African coast to the south west Pacific.

Photo: Thomas Quine, CC-BY, via iNaturalist