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robber crab

British  

noun

  1. a terrestrial crab, Birgus latro , of the Indo-Pacific region, known for its habit of climbing coconut palms to feed on the nuts

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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According to Parks Australia, the robber crab is the biggest land crustacean in the world; weighing up to 9 pounds and measuring 3 feet across.

From Fox News Sep. 23, 2020

The largest scavenger, the coconut or robber crab, can weigh up to 4 kilograms, hoisted by legs spanning 1 meter.

From Science Magazine Aug. 27, 2020

When darkness descends and all is quiet, the robber crab ascends the tree by gripping the bark with his claws.

From White Shadows in the South Seas by O'Brien, Frederick

Seldom does a robber crab linger to be oiled, and so other means of destroying him, or, at least, of guarding against his depredations, are sought.

From White Shadows in the South Seas by O'Brien, Frederick

They are most hideous-looking creatures, and, being of nocturnal habits, like the great robber crab, are apt to produce a most terrifying impression upon the beholder, if met with in the loneliness of the night.

From Rídan The Devil And Other Stories 1899 by Becke, Louis

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