Hairy Hermit Crab
Pagurus hirsutiusculus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Eucarida
- Order: Decapoda
- Infraorder: Anomura
- Superfamily: Paguroidea
- Family: Paguridae
- Genus: Pagurus
- Species: hirsutiusculus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pagurus hirsutiusculus: /pəˈɡʊrəs hɜrsˌtuːiˈʌskjələs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Pagurus hirsutiusculus, or the hairy hermit crab, is a hermit crab species known for its hairy body and distinctive color bands. It inhabits coastal regions from Alaska to California and Japan, living in intertidal zones and deep waters. It uses gastropod shells for protection and feeds on detritus and seaweeds.
Physical Characteristics
Adults range in color from olive green to brown to black, with white and blue bands on the walking legs. The antennae are grayish-brown with distinct white bands. The carapace may measure up to 19 mm (0.75 in) in length, and the body may grow to 70 mm (2.8 in) in northern populations.
Identification Tips
Look for white and blue bands on the walking legs and a remarkable amount of hair covering the body.
Habitat
Commonly found in tide pools with sand or rock, and under rocks, logs, and seaweed.
Distribution
From the Bering Strait, south to California and Japan, including the Pribilof Islands.
Diet
Primarily feeds on detritus but is an opportunistic feeder, also consuming seaweeds.
Tags
- Pagurus hirsutiusculus
- Hairy Hermit Crab
- Crustacean
- Tide Pool
- Coastal Marine Life