The Crab Street Journal Photo Gallery

Photos of the abdomens of land hermit crabs. The abdomen is the soft, vulnerable portion of the crabs body that must be kept protected in their shell. The abdomens are basically the same between the species but there are some minor differences. There are pleopods found on the abdomen, which are fine appendages, used for clutching eggs, and cleaning the shell. The uropods found on the tip of the abdomen help the crab hold onto their shell.

24 files, last one added on Feb 13, 2007

Close up photos of antennae of land hermit crabs.
Antennae the ones with "feet" (antennular flagellum) are for smelling, urinate dispensation (gaseously), and to a certain degree "hearing" actually more like a barometer gauge, measuring
pressure, which to us comes as roaring or bass sound waves...the longer Antennae are for sensory
purposes, more hearing and vibration sensing...they pick it up more from objects, than as sound waves...the two antennular systems work together. (thanks to Sue for her description)

3 files, last one added on May 01, 2006

Photos of Commercial Foods with ingredients in descriptions

8 files, last one added on Mar 23, 2006

Cheliped : (Pronounced kee-li-ped) chelipeds (chela="claw" and ped="foot") Also called grasping claws because of the non-aggressive ways they are used, the chelipeds are what a hermit crab uses to grip while climbing and protect during a crab fight. When eating, you will notice a hermit crab hold the food with one cheliped, and break the food off with the other, passing it to the maxillipeds. The left claw is usually (depending on species) used for climbing or defence. When a hermit crab withdraws within its shell it will use its larger claw to block the entrance to the shell. The right claw is usually used for eating and climbing.
Also known as 'big pincer'

27 files, last one added on Jul 01, 2007

Photos of exoskeletons shed during molt.

The crab's exoskeleton is made from layers of protein and chitin. The exoskeleton, or cuticle, is hardened by calcium carbonate... The exoskeleton protects the animal and provides points of attachment for the muscles to move the appendages. It helps impede water loss, although a crab still slowly loses water across its exoskeleton." (Fox, S. 2000 p.11)

47 files, last one added on Feb 05, 2008

12 files, last one added on Apr 27, 2007

26 files, last one added on Jun 11, 2005

1 files, last one added on Mar 19, 2008

1 files, last one added on May 23, 2005

1 files, last one added on Jan 01, 2006

0 files

The reproductive organs of female land hermit crabs.
Gonopore :

1. an opening through which eggs or sperm are released, esp. in invertebrates. 5
2. any opening between the reproductive system and the outside.

6 files, last one added on Mar 31, 2006