Coconut Crab Behavior and Biology

Coconut crabs are the largest terrestrial arthropods, living primarily on Indo-Pacific islands. They are mostly terrestrial, only living in water during their larval stage. These crabs are known for their strong pincers and ability to climb trees to forage for coconuts. They are opportunistic scavengers and have been linked to the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, though they are generally harmless to humans. Coconut crabs can live over 40 years, with a complex lifecycle involving a transition from water to land. They are adaptable, living far from the sea and exhibiting nocturnal behavior near humans. Known as 'robber crabs,' they are notorious for stealing items from camps.

What distinguishes male coconut crabs from females in terms of size?

• Females are heavier but shorter.

• Males are heavier but shorter.

• Males are longer and heavier.

• Females are longer but lighter.

Where do coconut crabs primarily live?

• On sandy beaches

• In dense forests

• On Indo-Pacific islands

• In freshwater lakes

What is a significant part of the coconut crab's diet?

• Insects

• Coconuts

• Fish

• Leaves

What is a debated theory about coconut crabs?

• They can fly short distances.

• They may have eaten Amelia Earhart's remains.

• They are immune to all predators.

• They can live underwater indefinitely.

How long can coconut crabs live?

• Up to 40 years or more

• Up to 30 years

• Up to 20 years

• Up to 50 years

What is a common predator of young coconut crabs?

• Cats

• Birds

• Lizards

• Snakes

When do mother coconut crabs release their eggs into the ocean?

• At sunrise

• At sunset

• During a full moon

• During a new or full moon at high tide

How long does it take for coconut crabs to be ready to reproduce?

• 7 years

• 5 years

• 3 years

• 2 years

What behavior do coconut crabs exhibit near human habitats?

• They become aggressive.

• They avoid human areas completely.

• They become more nocturnal.

• They become more diurnal.

Why are coconut crabs also known as robber crabs?

• They rob other crabs of their shells.

• They are known to steal items from camps.

• They take over other animals' burrows.

• They steal food from other animals.