--- title: "Scientists Discover Horrifying Crab That’s Covered in “Hair”" description: "\"All members of this group of crabs are hairy to some extent but this one is ridiculous,\" said Andrew Hosie, an expert at the Western Australia Museum." date: "2022-07-02" modified: "2022-07-02" authors: - name: "Maggie Harrison Dupré" job_title: "Senior Staff Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/mharrison" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/scientists-discover-crab-covered-hair" categories: - "Science & Energy" tags: - "crabs" - "crustacean" - "ocean" - "the digest" --- # Scientists Discover Horrifying Crab That’s Covered in “Hair” !["All members of this group of crabs are hairy to some extent but this one is ridiculous," said Andrew Hosie, an expert at the Western Australia Museum.]() *\Image: Western Australia Museum\* ## Crab Drip Behold [*l**amarckdromia beagle*](), a recently discovered sponge crab with a fluffy coat that bridges the gap between "adorable" and "horrifying." Sponge crabs — named for their creative habit of turning sea sponges into protective outerwear — have been known to the scientific community for some time now. But while most of these Australian crustaceans keep their designs pretty minimal, this newest addition to the fashionable family's extravagant designs has even the experts at a loss. "All members of this group of crabs are hairy to some extent but this one is ridiculous," Dr. Andrew Hosie, curator of worms and crustacea at the Western Australia Museum, [told Aussie outlet *ABC Great Southern*](). "Very shaggy, surprisingly soft." ## Fluffy Boi Sponge crabs don't just fashion coats and chapeaus for the fun of it. In reality, these talented little sea tailors wear them as a form of camouflage. "The crabs trim the sponge to shape, let it grow to the shape of their body and use them as a hat or protective blanket keep them protected from predators such as octopus and fish," Hosie told *ABC*. Still, he and others are stumped as to why this shaggy critter's coat goes so hard, in contrast to other species of sponge crab. "We can't really give a definitive answers as to why this species is so fluffy," he added. "We suspect it's to help further camouflage its legs from predators." But in our heart of hearts, we'd like to think that, perhaps, there is no *why*. Maybe, just maybe, this creative crustacean simply marches to the beat of its own drum. A trendsetter, and never a trend-follower, if you will. And to that we say: go off! **More on newly discovered animals:** [*Giant Tortoise, Thought to Be Totally Extinct, Suddenly Found Chilling on Island* ]() ## Author At Futurism, I've reported extensively on the rise of AI as a cultural and business force shaping the media industry, and more broadly how those dynamics are changing how we all consume and share information and relate to one another. I'm also fascinated by public health policy and ethics, the role of emerging tech in politics and governance — and the powerful people and forces at those intersections — climate change, and the environment. My investigation on Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated authors with fictional biographies won a 2024 Mirror Award for "Best Story on Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and the Media" from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School, I contributed to Niemen Lab's 2025 Predictions for Journalism series, and I've discussed my work for Futurism during appearances on NPR, CNN, the BBC, the CBC, and more. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I played Division I field hockey for the Minutewomen as a midfielder. Since then, I've lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Manhattan, New York. I spend my free time running, reading, perusing archival fashion, and searching for the world’s best negroni. I also have a debonair tuxedo cat, Westley, who's named after "The Princess Bride." ### Author social links [Bluesky]()