Birgus latro, commonly known as the coconut crab, is the largest terrestrial arthropod, found in coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific islands. They have powerful pincers capable of cracking open coconuts, a crucial part of their diet. Notable for their climbing ability, they are primarily nocturnal and have a lifespan of up to 60 years.

Birgus latro, commonly known as the coconut crab, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. This species is found on islands across the Indian Ocean, including the Seychelles, Christmas Island, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and extends to the Pacific Ocean, inhabiting areas like the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and parts of Japan.

Coconut crabs typically inhabit coastal areas and are often found in burrows or crevices on sandy beaches, rocky shores, and lowland forests. They prefer warm, tropical climates with high humidity and consistent temperatures, usually above 25°C (77°F).

As terrestrial hermit crabs, coconut crabs are well-adapted to life on land, unlike their aquatic relatives. They exploit a niche as scavengers and opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of foods, including fruits (particularly coconuts), nuts, seeds, and carrion. Their ability to climb trees aids in accessing food sources otherwise unreachable for ground-dwelling species.