Orchid Vampire Crab

Common Name: Orchid Vampire Crab 
Scientific Name: Geosesarma dennerle

Adult Size: Carapace roughly 2–2.5cm; overall span often 4–6cm
Native Range: Central Java, Indonesia

Enclosure: Secure-lidded paludarium; mostly land with a shallow freshwater area
Heating: ambient 22–24 °C

Humidity: 75–85% with good airflow; keep substrate damp with a few drier pockets

UVB: Low output

Diet: Leaf litter/veg plus insect and shrimp-style proteins in rotation

Water: Dechlorinated freshwater pool with easy access in/out; keep clean with filtration or regular partial changes

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The “Orchid” vampire crab is a popular trade form of Geosesarma dennerle, prized for its high-contrast colours and bright eyes under planted paludarium lighting. Like other Geosesarma, it’s strongly land-leaning: most activity happens on the forest-floor layer, weaving through leaf litter and roots, then retreating quickly into tight cover.

They’ll use water mainly for drinking and dipping rather than living fully aquatic, so a layout that prioritises land space, hides, and climbing texture tends to suit them best.

When the enclosure is dense and humid (without being stuffy), you’ll often see more natural behaviour - slow, deliberate foraging at dusk, brief climbs onto hardscape, and plenty of time tucked into burrows and crevices. Colour expression can vary between individuals, especially with different lighting and backgrounds.