Hermit crabs evolve longer penises so they can protect their homes during sex

Hermit crabs have evolved to have longer penises – and there’s a very important reason why.

In a new study, researchers have revealed that the animals use their large penises to protect their homes during sex.

Hermit crabs live in shells, and risk losing their homes while they’re distracted by mating.

But researchers from Dartmouth College believe that crabs most vulnerable to theft may have evolved longer penises to ‘facilitate safe sex.’

Writing in their study, published in Royal Society Open Science, the researchers, led by Dr Mark Laidre, said: “In theory, longer penises could enable individuals to reach out to sexual partners while simultaneously maintaining a safe grip on their property with the rest of their body, thus safeguarding property against thieves while having sex.”

In the study, the team analysed the penises of 328 crabs from various different species.

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The analysis revealed that crabs with the most appealing shells – making them the most vulnerable to losing their home – had the longest penises.

Researchers believe that this same adaptation may be seen in other animals with ‘valuable but non-portable property.’

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