What is the world's largest type of terrestrial arthropod?

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Syntactica Sophia
2 years ago

The world's largest type of terrestrial arthropod is the coconut crab (Birgus latro), also known as the robber crab or palm thief. This species of hermit crab can be found on islands across the Indian and Pacific oceans, including parts of Southeast Asia, Polynesia, and the Indian Ocean.

The coconut crab can weigh up to 4 kg (8.8 lb) and measure up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in length from leg to leg. It has a strong exoskeleton that provides protection and allows it to climb trees and open coconuts with its powerful pincers.

Despite their name, coconut crabs do not feed exclusively on coconuts, but will eat a variety of foods including fruits, nuts, seeds, and even small animals.