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Science & Nature • Crustacean

Coconut crab

The coconut crab (*Birgus latro*) is a large terrestrial hermit crab found on tropical islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The coconut crab (Birgus latro) is a large terrestrial hermit crab found on tropical islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is the largest living terrestrial arthropod and is known for its powerful claws and ability to open coconuts.

Description

The coconut crab is a giant land-dwelling crustacean with heavy claws and a hard exoskeleton. It is closely related to hermit crabs and is notable for its exceptional size among terrestrial arthropods.

Distribution and habitat

The species lives on tropical islands and offshore islets across the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is typically associated with coastal areas, rocky crevices, and burrows.

Behaviour and diet

Coconut crabs are mainly nocturnal and omnivorous. They feed on fallen fruit, seeds, carrion, and other organic matter, and can climb trees to reach coconuts.

Conservation

The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Threats include hunting for food and local habitat pressures, and it has disappeared from parts of its former range.

Key facts

  • The coconut crab is the largest living terrestrial arthropod.
  • Adults live on land and do not rely on shells the way juvenile hermit crabs do.
  • It is nocturnal and feeds on fruits, seeds, carrion, and coconuts.
  • Its large claws are strong enough to crack open coconuts.
  • Populations are affected by hunting and habitat pressures in parts of its range.
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Canadian context

Coconut crabs are not native to Canada, but they are of interest to Canadian readers through zoos, aquariums, and conservation coverage of Indo-Pacific wildlife.

Frequently asked questions

What is a coconut crab?
A coconut crab is a large terrestrial hermit crab, scientifically named Birgus latro.
Why is it called a robber crab?
It is called a robber crab because it can steal food and objects, especially around campsites and settlements.
How big can a coconut crab get?
Adults can reach a leg span of about 1 metre and weigh up to about 4.1 kilograms.
Where do coconut crabs live?
They live on tropical islands across the Indian and Pacific oceans.
What do coconut crabs eat?
They eat fruits, seeds, carrion, and other organic matter, and they are especially known for eating coconuts.
Are coconut crabs endangered?
They are listed as Vulnerable, meaning they face a high risk of decline in the wild.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_crab
    Supports: Scientific name, common names, terrestrial hermit crab classification, and size.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/robber-crab
    Supports: Common name, taxonomy, and general description as a large nocturnal land crab.
  3. World Animal Rescue Network — https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/coconut-crab/
    Supports: Distribution, size, and IUCN Vulnerable status.
  4. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/coconut-crabs-bird-eating-giants-on-tropical-islands.html
    Supports: Largest land-dwelling arthropod status and Indo-Pacific distribution.
  5. San Francisco Zoo & Gardens — https://www.sfzoo.org/coconut-crab/
    Supports: Diet, nocturnal behaviour, tree-climbing, shell use in juveniles, and conservation pressures.
  6. Australian Geographic — https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/fact-file/fact-file-coconut-crab-birgus-latro/
    Supports: Size, lifespan, diet, and presence in the Indo-Pacific.