Feeding Activity Patterns and Carrion Removal by Terrestrial Hermit Crabs at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands

Abstract

Terrestrial hermit crabs (Coenobita spp.) were observed feeding on a variety of food items corresponding with observations on the genus worldwide . A field experiment was conducted which examined (1) the feeding activity of Coenobita in two habitats and (2) their potential impact on the removal of carrion and on the colonization of carrion by fly maggots. Habitat and time of day influenced the size and species of Coenobita feeding. Large C. perlatus fed only at night and had the greatest impact on the carrion. Although small Coenobita had little effect on the carrion, their feeding activity did reduce the number of fly maggots in the carrion. The scavenging activity of hermit crabs may serve a useful role on inhabited islets. The rapid removal of carrion would reduce potential fly breeding sites.