Herman the Hermit crab

[loripo]

Originally Posted by theresa dockery

I've never seen this technique before - what's scratchboard?

If you search Youtube for scratchboardartist - there are a few good ones like the Michelob label and its shows the process.

[theresa dockery]

Originally Posted by Martin Wilson

but there is no going back once you have made the score it is there, but as you get used to using the board mistakes can always be worked into the picture...

I don't think I could handle such a permanent medium!
My art teacher in high school used to reprimand me for my 'hairy lines' - she said it indicated a hesitant & uncertain personality

Originally Posted by Martin Wilson

As for a pet...no he was from a photograph, Herman just seemed like a good name for him.

I was actually surprised at how many folk do keep them as pets...and how many websites are devoted to their care!

[Andestine]

Originally Posted by Martin Wilson

...he is a fine looking Hermit but more importantly you have found a live one and the way they curl up into seemingly such a small space just amazes me...
Martin

I agree

If you’ve never seen a hermit crab without its home you can see them changing shells in aquaria on Youtube, but for maximum fun, always carry a selection of seashells around with you in your pocket when you're on a beach, and when you see a hermit crab that’s grown too big for its shell, just place the new potential home in front of it, and wait. It will retreat when it sees you, but slowly come out again if you stay really still.

If you’re lucky, the crab will explore the new shell thoroughly and then make a very quick changeover, as it doesn’t want to expose its soft inner body to potential predators for too long.

Ideally the shell should be whorled, lined with mother-of-pearl and with a nice round opening and no other holes in it. It should also be a size up from the one the hermit crab is currently inhabiting

I was surprised when I first saw one leave its shell. Half winkle, half crab is what it looks like

Hermit crabs have all kinds of wonderful relationships with anemones, but I hadn’t heard of this one (below) until I got home and did some research into why he refused to accept any of the bigger shells I offered him. I didn’t notice the anemone with its tell-tale pink spots until I looked at the pictures later (sadly, pre-DSLR ).

So may I present the lovely Pagurus prideaux in close company with its Cloak Anemone (Adamsia carciniopados)






The anemone makes a membrane that increases the size of the shell so that the crab doesn’t have to change homes as it grows (but personally, I don’t think that this anemone is sticking to its end of the bargain ).

However, I did see it extending its defensive threads to try and protect its hermit crab. The white threads – acontia (courtesy of MARlin) - are clearly visible in the second photo. And I actually find that quite touching

Hope you don’t mind me posting that, Martin. But your lovely drawing brought back that low spring tide day in Herm when I first found this marvel, and I wanted to share it with you

Cheers,

Andestine

[ChrissyMarie]

Hi Martin, I just love Herman....
The detail is not only fabulous for him but the shell is terrific. I do love hemrit crabs, on holiday this year, I picked one up out of the sea and it had little bits of seaweed on the end of his claws. I was totally enthralled and my other half was laughing from the sandy shore...........
Thanks for the reminder and well done on a lovely piece of art

[Martin Wilson]

Originally Posted by ChrissyMarie

Hi Martin, I just love Herman....
The detail is not only fabulous for him but the shell is terrific. I do love hemrit crabs, on holiday this year, I picked one up out of the sea and it had little bits of seaweed on the end of his claws. I was totally enthralled and my other half was laughing from the sandy shore...........
Thanks for the reminder and well done on a lovely piece of art

Thank you ChrissyMarie...
Glad you like him and of course the memories it reminded you of.. a pleasure for me indeed.
Thanks again for the comments, appreciated.

Martin