Coconut Crabs

The coconut crab is the largest land-living arthropod in the world, and is probably at the upper limit of how big terrestrial animals with exoskeletons can become in today's atmosphere. The species inhabits the coastal forest regions of many Indo-Pacific islands.

Generally nocturnal, they remain hidden during the day and emerge only on some nights to forage. The crab is known for its ability to crack coconuts with its strong pincers and eat the contents.

It is also called the robber crab or palm thief, because some coconut crabs are rumored to steal shiny items such as pots and silverware from houses and tents.

The picture below gives a good in indication of how large coconut crabs are: