Invertebrate of the Day: Forest Crab

Before today, I never knew that crabs could live far from the ocean.

These ones live among the leaves of the vakona tree, a primitive plant related to sisal and reminiscent of a pineapple top on steroids. Rain water lands on the large, blade-shaped leaves, then runs down toward the trunk’s crown, where the bases of the leaves meet. Enough water collects to form a pool where crabs, tadpoles, and other water-dependent creatures reside.

This was about two inches across, including the legs. It could easily fit in the palm of a hand.

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