Hermit Crabs Are Increasingly Using Plastic Trash As Homes
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Most crabs have strong exoskeletons to protect them from predators. However, hermit crabs are born with soft bodies. They have usually lived inside sea shells or old snail shells. But, a recent study by Polish scientists has found that the tiny crustaceans are increasingly turning to trash for refuge.
For their research, the team looked at hundreds of images of hermit crabs on social media. They found 386 examples of the crabs living inside artificial shells. Eighty-five percent were using plastic caps, while the rest chose metal or glass trash. This behavior was seen in 10 of the 16 species of land-dwelling hermit crabs, all the way from Africa to Central America.
"We confirm for the first time that the use of artificial materials by hermit crabs is a behavior occurring on a global scale," the researchers said.
The study was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment on February 25, 2024. It did not explore the potential harm of artificial shells to hermit crabs. However, a 2019 study found that over half a million hermit crabs on a remote Indian Ocean island die every year. They get trapped inside plastic items like bottles.
Researchers are unsure why hermit crabs are choosing artificial shells. But they have several theories. Some believe the crustaceans are struggling to find natural shells and are using whatever else they can find. Others think plastic may be a more attractive option because it is lighter and easier to carry. It may also provide better camouflage in an environment filled with trash.
"When I first saw these pictures, I felt it was heartbreaking," study co-author Marta Szulkin told The BBC. "But at the same time, I think we really need to understand that we're living in a different era, and animals are making use of what's available to them."
Resources: Smithsonian.org, WashingtonPost.com, NPR.org
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49 Comments
damoney2 monthsThat's so sad! I wish people would stop littering.
chemist9992 monthsstop littering
uwu1hi2 monthsthat is kinda coooooool
koalaqueen3 monthsOmg I have never seen a hermit crab in trash and I see them all most everyday . I love hermit crabs!!!!!!!😍💗💛
800699703 monthsPeople kill them today we need to help hermit crabs now they Are dieing
tyler_paisley43 monthsThis is horrible! Everyone should know not to throw trash on the beach, see it and just leave it. This could cause them to go extinct if they die and it gets to its babies. People should stop and think b4 they could change the word with just a candy wraper! Thanks to all the people who stood up to this and picked up trash or had trash and threw it away. This could also lead to addiction to hermit crabs using trash. PLS HELP PICK UP TRASH WHEREVER YOU SEE IT❤
cookiiabout 2 monthsYas we must help save the world!!!! !!!!!
the_void2 monthsI agree
dogo23irene3 monthsI couldn't agree with you more! We should stop littering! Let's save hermit crabs and the world!❤
zoewang3 monthsme three
maash1233 monthsWow! They are the recyclers of the beach! That was a great surprise.
scarysisabout 2 monthstrue, but its not good for the hermit crabs!
summer_beach3 monthsThat's awfull! By the way I used to have pet hermit crabs. They are fun to have but after you learn more about them and their needs, it can be really depressing. Mostly if you have one with a painted shell. #SaveTheHermitCrabs
cunecagu-1718639403383 months#SoRight
raelee3 months#dontlitter- raelee3 monthsDO NOT LITTER