Description:
Ranges in colour from white to deep red with white markings
Round eyestalks
Hairy legs
I havent found a photo of C. rugosus retracted in its shell , so I cannot say anything about the way theiy hold their legs.
Distribution worldwide:
- Taiwan
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Christmas Island
- Marshall Island
- Ashmore Reef (Australia)
- French Polynesia
- Mozambique
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Madagascar
Often along with C. perlatus, brevimanus and cavipes and Birgus latro
Environment :
- sandy beaches (Seychelles)
- vegetation, climbing trees (Ashmore Reef)
- mangroves
Ecological Niche / Behaviour:
As other LHC, C. rugosus is a scavenger and roams the beaches and the treeline for fruit, leaves, carrion (such as dead sea turtles), algae and other jetsam to eat. They live in large groups and are nocturnal. They need both fresh and salt water.
Is said to loot sea turtle nests
Use fossil shells if nothing else is available
Reproductive Needs:
I have not found anything specific about C. rugosus. Currently the crabs are not harvested very much, as they often live in nature parks and reservations.
Shells:
Nerita sp.
In Madagascar people collect snails for eating and leave the shells behind, so theres a more or less steady supply for the LHC