Pagurus capillatus

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Fuzzy hermit crab:
Fuzzy hermit crab (Pagurus capillatus): The fuzzy hermit crab closely resembles three other Alaskan species of hermit, Quayle's hermit crab (Pagurus quaylei), Bluespine hermit crab (Pagurus kennerleyi), and especially Setose hermit crab (Pagurus setosus).

These all are characterized by sharp spines and abundant long blond to brown hairs covering claws and legs. Distinguishing these is very difficult and can be frustrating to even specialists. The following key to these four species is provided:

1a) Antennae banded with light and dark bands go to 2

1b) Antennae solid colored go to 3

2a) Spines on claws light blue or white tipped. Larger species, often 1 cm carapace length or larger Bluespine hermit crab (Pagurus kennerleyi)

2b) Spines on claws same color as background color of claws. Very small species usually 5 mm or less in carapace length Quayle's hermit crab (Pagurus quaylei)

3a) Hairs on legs and claws ostrich-plume like and sometimes obscuring spines on claws. Carpus (third article) of right and left first legs with a toothed dorsal margin, may be obscured by hairs Fuzzy hermit crab (Pagurus capillatus)

3b) Hairs on legs and claws simple and spines on claws usually visible. Carpus (third article) of right first leg toothed on dorsal margin, carpus of left smooth. Setose hermit crab (Pagurus setosus)






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