| R o b b e r - C r a b |
Birgus latro
Robber Crabs are found on many small tropical islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and Christmas Island supports the biggest population in the world. A close relative to the hermit crab, it is the largest land-living arthropod in the world. On Christmas Island, they are found throughout from the coastal terraces to the central plateau. They generally hide during the day, but venture out to feed at night or on overcast days. They forage on any plant material or carrion on the forest floor. The fruits and pith of the Arenga palm is one of their favorite. They are quite adapted to climbing trees. The robber crab is sometimes known as the Coconut Crab because of its ability to break open coconuts with its huge nippers.
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