#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream
Purple Pincher, Caribbean Hermit Crab
My daily walk to the lagoon. On my return, a sweet visitation. This wonderful purple pincher suddenly rolled to my feet on the dirt path.
“The Caribbean hermit crab, Coenobita clypeatus, also known as. . . the purple pincher (due to the distinctive purple claw), is a species of land hermit crab. . . Adults burrow and hide under the roots of large trees, and can be found a considerable distance inland.
Caribbean hermit crabs are both herbivorous and scavengers. In the wild, C. clypeatus feeds on animal and plant remains, overripe fruit, and feces of other animals. . . The West Indian top snail (Cittarium pica) shell is often used for its home, and the hermit crab can use its larger claw to cover the aperture of the shell for protection against predators.[3] Typically, the Caribbean hermit crab’s left claw is larger in size than its right claw and is purple in color. Female land hermit crabs release fertilized eggs into the ocean. The spawning (called “washing” in the English-speaking Caribbean) occurs on certain nights, usually around August.[2]”
Purple, my favorite color, was this morning's theme. And I found the name for this amazing mystery vine I photographed yesterday and again today - purple passion flower - Passiflora triloba. I am happily immersed in this tropical landscape.
Tonight, the owner of the villa we're renting, Eric, who is originally from Paris, came for dinner. For dessert we served banana & cacao "ice cream" using the unprocessed cacao we brought home from La Maison du Cacao! It was a delicious success, and a day of delights from beginning to end.
Purple Passion Flower - Passiflora triloba
All photos and text copyright 2017 by Kelly DuMar, unless otherwise attributed