Islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the western Pacific Ocean
This arthropod is a crab known as the robber crab, or coconut crab. It can grow to up to 4.1 kg (9.0 lb), and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in length from leg to leg. It hatches in the ocean and in its juvenile form is a hermit crab, but it matures on land, grows its own shell protection, and develops lungs and a sharp sense of air-borne smell. Its lifespan may be over 60 years. It is mostly a herbivore but it is not exclusive and will eat carrion and other organic matter. It is not, however, known to eat coconuts despite the name. It has been effectively eliminated from all areas with significantly large human settlement, including Australia.
