There’s over 800 species of Hermit crabs (genus Coenobita).
They are known for living in empty shells that they use as mobile homes! Although they’re called hermits, they’re actually social creatures, hanging out in groups called casts. When a hermit crab grows it has to moult it’s exoskeleton, a very vulnerable time for them. As we all know, change and growth can be scary. They need to find a larger shell to fit their new, bigger body. So the hermit crabs get together for a shell swapping party! They line up, assess each other’s size and work out who to trade shells with. With plastic pollution a growing problem in the ocean, hermit crabs have been observed using inappropriate options like bottle caps as their homes. Keeping our beaches clean can help these little guys find healthier options.
This embroidery is the largest design we have every attempted. 9 Hermit crabs are coming out of their shells to play with you. I hope you love all the crabby details!