| Subtaxon | Example images | Rank | Featured subtaxa |
No of images |
No of ID refs |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Genus | 2 subtaxa | 40 images | 1 ident. refs | ||||
| Subtaxon | Example images | Rank | Featured subtaxa |
No of images |
No of ID refs |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Genus | 2 subtaxa | 40 images | 1 ident. refs | ||||
| Family | PAGURIDAE (hermit crabs) |
| Superfamily | PAGUROIDEA (a superfamily of crustaceans) |
| Infraorder | Anomura (an infraorder of decapod crustacea) |
| Suborder | PLEOCYEMATA (a suborder of crustaceans) |
| Order | DECAPODA (crabs, shrimps, lobsters etc.) |
| Superorder | EUCARIDA (crab, shrimps, lobsters etc.) |
| Subclass | EUMALACOSTRACA (a subclass of crustaceans) |
| Class | MALACOSTRACA (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, prawns, woodlice etc.) |
| Subphylum | CRUSTACEA (crustaceans) |
| Phylum | ARTHROPODA (arthropods) |
| Superphylum | ECDYSOZOA (skin shedders) |
| Clade | Bilateria (bilaterally symmetrical animals) |
| Subkingdom | EUMETAZOA (metazoans) |
| Kingdom | ANIMALIA (animals) |
| Domain | Eukaryota (eukaryotes) |
| Life | BIOTA (living things) |
PAGURIDAE (hermit crabs) may be included in identification literature listed under the following higher taxa:
 NBN (data.nbn.org.uk)
has a distribution map for PAGURIDAE (hermit crabs)
|
 BioInfo (www.bioinfo.org.uk)
has 15 host/parasite/foodplant and/or other relationships for PAGURIDAE (hermit crabs)
|
Identification keys for hermit crabs require extracting the crab from its shell to view details of the soft parts which are otherwise concealed.
If you don’t want to do this, final identification is by handedness, shape of carapace and details of larger claw so can be done on a live animal in its shell.
The commonest species on the shore is Pagurus bernhardus which is right-handed and the only species with two lines of tubercles running down the fixed part of the claw. Specimens with very hairy claws which are probably P. cuanensis.
Formal identification of hermit crabs requires removing the crab from its shell to view details of the soft parts which are otherwise concealed. There are also several commensal or parasitic species found within the shell which equally require extraction.
To extract a living crab, gently warm the point of the shell in a gas or lighter flame until the crab partly emerges. At this point it will be found to have released its grip so can be extracted by gently pulling with the fingers or blunt forceps.
Afterwards, if the crab is placed in water and reintroduced to its shell (the chela needs to touch it) it will quickly enter and readopt to its home.
For narcotisation, use Menthol or Lidocaine (eg Covonia Throat Spray).
Unless otherwise expressly stated, all original material on the BioImages website by Malcolm Storey is licensed under the above Creative Commons Licence.
Photographs from other photographers are used with permission but not included under the above CC licence.