Australian Scientists Discover Furry Crab Species That Wears Sponge As Hat

Lamarckdromia beagle is a southwest endemic crab named after the HMS Beagle, a vessel that carried Charles Darwin to Albany in 1836. This species belongs to the Dromiidae or sponge crab family, and like other members will turn a living sponge into a portable shelter to protect it from predators such as octopus and fish. The dense, shaggy hair on the crab’s carapace is actually quite soft and fluffy, however, its function is not clear. It’s possible it helps obscure the outline of the crab’s legs as a form of camouflage, as they aren’t covered by the sponge. 🦀