Horny hermit crabs 'sexually excited' by plastic toxins in oceans, scientists say

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Daily Star's biggest headlines straight to your inbox! Hermit crabs may be "sexually excited" by an additive released by plastics in the ocean, a team of researchers has discovered.

Boffins from the University of Hull have been studying the combined impact of climate change, plastic and other molecules on marine species.Studies of the waters off the Yorkshire coast revealed that a plastic additive called oleamide - known to be a sex pheromone or stimulant for certain species of insects - increases the respiration rate of hermit crabs, indicating excitement.The team also found that oleamide can be mistaken for food, meaning the crabs may travel a distance in search of a meal, only to discover plastic.A spokeswoman for the University of Hull.