Residents at Honolulu Street in Salt Lake, Hawaii spotted a massive, bizarre looking crab that might be mistaken for a prehistoric crustacean along a local boulevard this week.

Concerned citizens immediately called animal control that discovered the crab was apparently a coconut crab, which is the world's largest species of terrestrial hermit crab and also the world's biggest land dwelling arthropod.

Like Us on Facebook

A coconut crab can easily tear apart and open a coconut like some huge monster prying open its prey with its gigantic claws.

Although the coconut crab isn't indigenous to Hawaii, it's considered by scientists and experts as an invasive species and a nuisance.

According to Trenton Yasui, an invertebrate expert from Hawaii's Department of Agriculture, the coconut crab is a threat to Hawaii's natural ecosystem since it also feeds on native birds and turtles. It can also be hazardous for humans, especially to children and pets.

The crab seen in Salt Lake weighs around three pounds and measures 16 inches across however, the coconut cran can reach up to 10 pounds and can span for more than three feet.

Officials have already captured the crab and it could become a permanent resident at the Honolulu Zoo. Coconut crabs can live up to 60 years.

The coconut crab is mobile despite its sheer size and weight. It can climb high trees and surprisingly, it's also considered as a delicious delicacy.

Yasui said the crab is considered a special delicacy in the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands where it is a native. The taste of coconut crab meat is quite different from regular crabs as it feeds on terrestrial plants and animals.

TagsGiant, Invasive Coconut Crab Captured in Hawaii, coconut crab, honolulu street, salt lake hawaii, giant massive large coconut crab hawaii salt lake boulevard