1. Eggs: Hermit crabs start their lives as tiny eggs, which are laid by females in the water. The eggs hatch into larvae, which are small, free-swimming organisms.
2. Larvae: Hermit crab larvae spend several weeks drifting in the water, feeding on plankton and growing larger. During this time, they go through several molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow.
3. Juvenile Crabs: Eventually, the larvae settle down on the bottom of the ocean and transform into juvenile crabs. Juvenile crabs are small and have soft shells, so they must find a suitable shelter to protect themselves. They often use empty snail shells as their homes.
4. Adults: As hermit crabs continue to grow, they molt their exoskeletons and move into larger shells. Adult hermit crabs are typically larger and have harder shells than juvenile crabs. They are also able to reproduce, laying eggs of their own.
The life cycle of a hermit crab can vary depending on the species, but it typically takes several years for a hermit crab to reach adulthood.