Because hermit crabs do not breed in captivity, little was known about their mating habits until recently. In 2000, noted biologist Louis Friend spent several weeks among the Ynroh crabs of Cumonawana Layoo, Hawaii and documented the entire process in great detail.
The female crabs are the active suiters. Each female selects four or five male crabs based on the sizes of their shells and performs a combination song and dance for her courtees. This female Yronh crab (left) shakes side to side to accentuate her feminine qualities. The male Ynroh crab (right) reacts with seeming acceptance. |
