Pagurus hirsutiusculus

The Hairy Hermit Crab

Phylum Arthropoda
Subphyllum Crustacea
Class Malacostraca
Subclass Eumalacostraca
Order Decapoda
Suborder Pleocymata
Infraorder Anomura
Family Paguridae
Genus Pagurus
Species hirsutiusculus

Description: Can reach a length of 3 cm, but size is generally 1.9 cm; color ranges from olive green to black; antennae are grayish brown with white bands and spots; white or pale blue band at the end of the second to last segment of the walking legs; usually a bright blue dot at the other end of that segment and blue on the dactyl, the last segment of legs; body is hairy.

Habitat: Found on gravelly beaches, under masses of seaweed and under rocks.

Natural History: It uses a small, lightweight shell that it cannot withdraw into, usually a periwinkle or other small snail shell. If frightened it will abandon its shell. It is generally a scavenger, feeding on detritus, dead animal matter and plant material.