Pagurus hirsutiusculus (hairy hermit crab)

Found in areas 5 to 10. The “gathering” was located between areas 6 and 7.

The hairy hermit crab is the most plentiful hermit crab on the beach. They can be found most often in the discarded shells of Nucella emarginata. They grow longer than an inch. If any species at the Cove can generate laughter, it is most likely to be this hermit crab. The group picture below appeared to me as a total surprise. At first I thought it was a group gathering of Nucella emarginata, but as I examined it closer, I realized it was a group of hermit crabs. It looks like mating time to me.

This one shows the gathering. Hermit crabs are portrayed as solitary with a tendency to become aggressive when they meet. The picture above shows that some socialization is quite normal.