蜜芽传媒

In this episode, Katherine Rundell explores the hermit crab - a creature known for its resourcefulness and quiet ingenuity. Most hermit crabs are small and vulnerable, making their homes in scavenged shells. When a new shell appears, crabs will sometimes form orderly queues, waiting and holding claws until one fits. But not all hermit crabs are so gentle: the coconut crab, the world鈥檚 largest land crab, can crack open coconuts and has been known to strip a carcass clean.

Hermit crabs have found their way into human lives too - sometimes as pets, often to their detriment. Many die in captivity, while others are threatened by plastic pollution, habitat loss, and hunting.

Written and presented by Katherine Rundell
Produced for 蜜芽传媒 Audio in Bristol by Natalie Donovan