Christmas Island Robber Crab

These are one of the endangered species of crabs on Christmas Island they are also known as coconut crabs, this one had a body the size of a coconut too. Apparently they can attain a significant age - 70+ years. This one was tapping it's front legs (the first pair after the claws) - raising them and rapping them on the road to tell me to back off.

[marg]

I guess you'd only have to be told once to back off as those claws make quite a statement. Pretty impressive specimen.

[Megan Richardson]

I just read about them online and they can crack coconuts with those claws, so definitely wise to stay well clear

[Janine Nelson]

wow that's so cool. his eyes are so innocent but his legs and claws are so intense. great shot.

[sarahb]

whoa cool!!