<P> Most species have long , spirally curved abdomens , which are soft , unlike the hard , calcified abdomens seen in related crustaceans . The vulnerable abdomen is protected from predators by a salvaged empty seashell carried by the hermit crab , into which its whole body can retract . Most frequently , hermit crabs use the shells of sea snails ( although the shells of bivalves and scaphopods and even hollow pieces of wood and stone are used by some species ) . The tip of the hermit crab 's abdomen is adapted to clasp strongly onto the columella of the snail shell . Most hermit crabs are nocturnal . </P>
<P> Most species have long , spirally curved abdomens , which are soft , unlike the hard , calcified abdomens seen in related crustaceans . The vulnerable abdomen is protected from predators by a salvaged empty seashell carried by the hermit crab , into which its whole body can retract . Most frequently , hermit crabs use the shells of sea snails ( although the shells of bivalves and scaphopods and even hollow pieces of wood and stone are used by some species ) . The tip of the hermit crab 's abdomen is adapted to clasp strongly onto the columella of the snail shell . Most hermit crabs are nocturnal . </P>
where do hermit crabs get their shells from
where do hermit crabs get their shells from
salvaged empty seashell
salvaged empty seashell