Hermit Crab

Commonly known as the hermit crab or shell-dweller. The Taiping Guangji records: "Its form resembles a conch yet its legs are like a spider's. It begins with no shell, then takes up residence within an empty conch shell, walking with the shell atop it. When touched, it draws in its legs and seals itself inside, as a conch closes its door. Hold fire to it, and it emerges... only then does one know it is a lodger." Physicians hold that "eating it benefits one's health."

Location

Gathered from Seaside Foraging in Qingzhou.