Birgus

/ˈbɜːrɡəs/ noun

Definition

A large coconut crab found in tropical Pacific islands; the scientific genus name for coconut crabs.

Etymology

From the Malay word 'birgus' or 'bagas' referring to the coconut crab. This genus name was given Linnaean scientific classification in the 18th century for this remarkable arthropod.

Kelly Says

Birgus latro (the robber crab) is the world's largest land arthropod—it can weigh 4kg, climb trees, and crack open coconuts with its massive claws. Coconut crabs are living fossils that haven't changed much in 100 million years!

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