molting and dying

Question
My hermit crab had just finished molting.  Before his exoskeleton completely hardened, he came out of his shell and died.  Can you tell me why he walked away from his shell and went under the coconut hut and curled up and died?  He had plenty of food and water.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi,

Im sorry about your loss. It could be a few reasons. Molting is a very difficult and stressful time for a hermit crab.
How long have you had him? What are your tank conditions? This plays a part in it. Unfortunately we don't know all there is to know about land hermit crabs yet, and it can be very difficult to find the specific reason why one has passed away. There is a research site and you can get ahold of the owner of it and she would tell you how to preserve the crab and have it sent to a scientist to examine.http://www.coenobita.org/

If you'd like more information feel free to check out my website. http://hermitcrabaddiction.net/forum/index.php

Take care,
Vicki