Description:
Land hermit crabs, also known as soldier crabs, or common land hermit crabs, are fully terrestrial crabs that live in marine waters only during the planktonic larval phase.  Late-stage larval crabs emerge onto shorelines, and burrow into sands where they molt into juveniles.  Choosing a suitable snail shell to live in, they begin the process of establishing themselves further and further inland.  Adult female land hermits only return to marine waters to release larvae during reproduction.  Land hermit claws are unequal, with the major claw rounded and bright purple in color.  Eyes are stalked.  Body color is variable, ranging from reddish brown to paler tones.  Legs are tan-brown to red in color and are marked with many purple dots and fine hairs.  Carapace length may reach approximately 1.5 inches (3.5 cm).

Habitat:
Land hermits occupy empty snail shells, with younger crabs preferring nerite shells, and older crabs preferring those of whelks.  These crabs may be found in many terrestrial habitats, well inland of estuaries.  Land hermits scour the floors of scrub and inland forested habitats consuming fruit, insects, carrion, feces and plant matter.  There is some evidence that selective grazing by land hermits influences the development of terrestrial plant communities.  Land hermit crabs can be found wedged into fissures in trees, under exposed tree roots, in holes under tree roots, or gathered in groups inside hollow stumps.   

Range:
Land hermit crabs range from central Florida south throughout the Caribbean.  They are found in many habitats in the Indian River Lagoon.