In order to properly care for your land hermit crab you really need to determine what species you own. The most common species of hermit crabs found in the United States are as follows:
Some of the common identifying characteristics of the Rugosus hermit crab or commonly called ruggie are: Dark spots under the eyes, stitch marks on the big pincher, orange feelers. You’ll also notice in the picture to the right a line of black running down the shield and his left leg seems to be twisted. Rugosus hermit crabs come in a varity of colors, if you look at my Rugosus hermit crab archives you will see the rainbow of colors. Ruggies are a personal favorite of mine, they are good natured, friendly, and entertaining. Rugosus hermit crabs can usually be found in Petcos depending upon your geographic location. Ruggies usually prefer turbo shells.
The Compressus or Ecuadorian hermit crab, commonly called the E, looks very similar to the ruggie. The differences are that the Ecuadorian does not have black marks under the eyes, the stitch marks on the big pincher are not as raised or they are absent all together and they usually have multiple markings on their shield. Ecuadorian hermit crabs tend to be shades of blue green and oranges. The Ecuadorian hermit crab is often confused with the Rugosus hermit crab. Ecuadorian hermit crabs are energetic, they move quickly around the tank and will suddenly drop from high branches when spooked. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can usually be found in small mom and pop pet stores. I have never seen an Ecuadorian hermit crab in a nation chain. Ecuadorians usually prefer shells with D shaped openings, like the rock shells, whale eyes, and babylons.
Cavipe hermit crabs or Cavs are gorgeous crabs. Many call them the “shy” crab. Cavipes are usually shades or orange or purple. One of the most noticeable characteristics of the Cavipe hermit crab is the bright red eyestalks and feelers. 
The cavipe claw will have a very pronounced stripe running down the middle of the big pincher. Cavipes can sometimes be found in Petcos, but they are a rare find. Cavipes are picky about there shells, they will wear some shells with D shaped openings like Babylons and they will also wear some murex shells and snail shells.
The Perlatus or Strawberry hermit crab is one of the most beautiful hermit crabs. The perlatus hermit crab is also the most delicate and difficult to care for. The Perlatus hermit crab is usually a bright red and has white, raised dots all over its body. The juvenile perlatus hermit crab will be red and white stripped resembling a candy cane. While these hermit crabs are beautiful, please consider carefully before you purchase one. They require humidity and temperature at about 80/80 and they MUST have a saltwater pool that is deep enough for them to fully submerge. Strawberry hermit crabs will usually wear turbo shells.
The Clypeatus hermit crab, also known as the Purple Pincher, Purple Claw Crab, or PP, is the most common hermit crab in the U.S. These hermit crabs are found in Petcos, PetSmarts, mall kiosks, and local pet stores. They are considered the hardiest of the various hermit crab species. They are typically purple, but can also be found in shades of orange. Purple Pinchers will usually wear turbo shells.
The Brevimanus or Indo hermit crab is often confused with the Purple Pincher. The Indo hermit crab is always a beautiful shade of lavender and its eyes are perfect dots compared to the Purple Pinchers eyes which look like commas. The Indo also has a huge big pincher that appears to be too big for its body. I have found that Indo hermit crabs are shy. While I do have an Indo in my care, I have found that they don’t survive well in captivity. Indos can sometimes be found in Petcos. Indos will usually wear turbo shells
I have provided you with a few pictures and details about the various species of hermit crabs found in the United States. For someone who is new to caring for hermit crabs one of the most difficult tasks is identifying the species of hermit crab that they own. Stacy, aka Daethian, who writes the hermit crab care blog and helps to administer the Crab Street Journal, has just created the most comprehensive hermit crab identification system to help you to find out what kind of hermit crab you own. This wonderful hermit crab identification system will allow you to view numerous photos of hermit crab’s eyes, you then select the photo that looks most like your crab and you will be presented with a series of photos of hermit crab’s big pinchers; select the photo that resembles your own hermit crab’s big pincher and the system will display the hermit crab species and additional information about the hermit crab species. Stacy has done an amazing job building this system, so check it out now so that you can learn what kind of hermit crab you own.
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If you use forest bedding or eco earth as your tank substrate you may never even notice the hermit crab poop, it just kind of blends in.
