News Animals

Hermit crabs are drawn to the smell of their own dead

Competition for abandoned shells turns into a lively gathering

land hermit crab

FEELING SNUG  To keep growing, hermit crabs (Coenobita compressus, shown) must move into bigger and bigger shells. 

M. Laidre

By Yao-Hua Law

- More than 2 years ago

The death of a millionaire with no heir draws an opportunistic crowd. So, too, does the demise of a land-dwelling hermit crab.