Native Habitat of a Land Hermit Crab

The primary habitat of the land hermit crab is the shell it carries around to live in. Unlike most crustaceans, hermit crabs don't grow their own shells but "borrow" shells from other creatures---mostly snails---switching homes as they grow larger.

Geography

The land hermit crab is a popular classroom pet, but its native habitat is tropical, mainly Indo-Pacific (such as Samoa), the western areas of the Atlantic (such as Florida), and the western areas of the Caribbean (such as Bermuda).

Terrain

Land hermit crabs need both saltwater and land to complete their life cycle. Born in the ocean, they move inland as they mature, preferring dry hard sand to marshes or ponds.

Elevation

Land hermit crabs can live in habitats as diverse as sea-level shorelines and altitudes of more than 2,300 feet.

Climate

Land hermit crabs thrive in high humidity and are most active after a rain shower. Ideal temperatures are between 72 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

Diet

Land hermit crabs are scavengers and eat whatever their native habitat offers, from rotting vegetation to animal carcasses. A hermit crab uses its large front claw to gather water to store in its shell for drinking and moistening its soft body.

References

• "Smithsonian Zoological Park; Think Tank: Land Hermit Crabs"
• "Brandywine Zoo: Land Hermit Crab"
• "Access My Library; Statesman (India): Housing Scheme;" 2006