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Blue land crab, is a large burrowing crab whose distribution on land is generally limited to within 5 miles of the ocean. Large individuals may grow to over 5 inches and weigh over 18 ounces. The Blue Land Crab is found throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America including Columbia, Venezuela, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Within the U.S. it is limited to the Gulf of Mexico and coastal Florida and is rarely found more than 8 miles from the ocean. It is found in greatest concentration on low lying ground. For the most part, the Land Crab is a vegetarian crab which collects and eats leaves fruits and grasses collected near the vicinity of its burrow. However, these crabs will also eat insects, carrion, feces and is sometimes cannibalistic. Throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean, the Blue Land Crab is a food resource. Harvesters of wild populations in Venezuela have reported that as many as 400 crabs per harvester per night can be collected and more as migration periods approach. The meat is white and sweet and is often compared in quality to that of the blue crab. Land crabs are economically important in the Caribbean and Bahamas. In the U.S., it is not generally harvested for food. Some people even consider it a common garden pest in Florida, because it burrows into their lawns.
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