Hairy crabbies!

[Xenocrab]

Our crabbies have very hairy legs! What are the hairs for? Some have Tufts on the back of their legs, so what do the hairs do for the crabs?

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[OvermountainLucy]

I wish I knew- but I have to say, if YOU don’t know, I’m not sure where to start finding that out!

[Hermie escape artist]

Someone else answered this question in another post i read ! On here ...cant remember what the answer was sorry

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[aussieJJDude]

Used for a variety of things. For example, the 'hair' (called setae - its actually an extension of their exoskeleton and not actually hair!) is used primarily for touch, as they are able to sense movement such as vibrations through it. It can also be used as a chemical receptor, which for marine crabs is useful to detect for foods/toxins within the water - as for land hermies, could also be useful for smell as well.

[wodesorel]

Also, the setae will wear down and break off over time, so it can be a way to judge how far out from a molt they are, and how soon they may need to molt again. Freshly molted crabs tend to be very hairy.

[odelayheehoo]

I have some very hair crabs, it's actually funny to see how much hairier some are than others!