Bernard L'ermite Droitier

How to Distinguish from Similar Species: Elassochirus is the only hermit crab genus in this area has a large right cheliped that has a carpus that is wider than long. The other Elassochirus species, such as E. cavimanus and E. gilli, have a propodus to the right cheliped that is narrower than the carpus.

Around rocks, mud, sand, or shell bottoms, but usually near rocks

Geographical Range: Bering sea and Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Washington; northwestern Pacific

In this large, mostly subtidal hermit crab, the right chela is larger than the left, and the carpus and propodus of the right chela are very wide and flattened. The carpus of the right cheliped is wider than it is long. There are spines on the dorsal surface of the claws. The first and 2nd walking legs have 3 dark stripes on the dorsal surface and a white stripe on the medial surface of the carpus, and rows of red spots on the propodus and dactyl. The cornea of the eye is inflated. Color: orange, brown, and white, with a purplish-blue on the upper walking legs. Antennae are orange-brown. Carapace length to about 4.2 cm.

Biology/Natural History: This species uses the large right claw to block the entrance to the shell when the animal retreats inside. When walking, the claw is bent beneath the body. The hydroid Hydractina milleri often lives on the shells this hermit crab lives in. Ovigerous females in Washington can be found from August to May. Larvae hatch March to May. Planktonic stages last several months.

Depth Range: Intertidal to 388 m