Pagurus annulipes

(Stimpson, 1860)

Brown Banded Hermit

Pagurus annulipes is a hermit crab in the Paguridae, commonly known as the banded hermit. It inhabits the western Atlantic Ocean and is notable as the only hermit crab with distinctly banded legs on the northeastern United States coast. This species occupies empty gastropod shells for protection, typical of hermit crab .

Pagurus annulipes Texas PWD by Texas PWD. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Bulletin (1971-) (19802522333) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pagurus annulipes: //pəˈɡʊərəs ˌæn.jʊˈlaɪ.pɛs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The only hermit crab with banded legs found on the coast of the northeastern United States. All other regional Pagurus species lack this distinctive leg banding pattern.

Images

Habitat

Marine intertidal and subtidal zones of the western Atlantic Ocean; occupies empty gastropod shells for shelter and protection.

Distribution

Western Atlantic Ocean, with confirmed presence in the North West Atlantic region. Specifically noted from the northeastern United States coast.

Behavior

Occupies empty gastropod shells, carrying them for protection. Shell occupation typical of the Paguridae.

Similar Taxa

Other Pagurus species in northeastern USLack the distinctive banded leg pattern that characterizes P. annulipes
Pagurus bernhardus (Common Hermit Crab)European with different coloration and without banded legs; not naturally but may be confused in general hermit crab identification

More Details

Taxonomic note

Originally described by Stimpson in 1860. The specific epithet 'annulipes' refers to the ringed or banded legs.

Shell use

Like all hermit crabs, P. annulipes relies on empty gastropod shells for protection of its soft, asymmetrical . Shell selection and occupation are critical survival behaviors.