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MEPS 157:307-310 (1997)
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Abstract
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Quantifying hermit crab recruitment rates and megalopal shell selection on wave-swept shores
S. E. Worcester*, S. D. Gaines
Marine Science Institute and Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
*Present address and address for correspondence: Institute for Earth Systems Science and Policy, California State University Monterey Bay, Seaside, California 93955, USA. E-mail: suzanne_worcester@monterey.edu
ABSTRACT: The availability of shells has been shown to limit populations of adult hermit crabs and alter the outcome of interspecific interactions. However, few studies have addressed such issues in newly settled crabs. A major impediment has been the absence of
techniques to quantify the use of shells by settling crabs. Here we present a simple technique for assessing hermit crab recruitment in rocky habitats. The method appears to measure differences in settlement rates among sites without substantial bias. By
offering several different species of microgastropod shells, we also found that settling Pagurus hirsutiusculus have distinct shell preferences. Such shell preferences may lead to resource limitation at the juvenile stage which may have cascading
effects on the distribution, abundance, or shell use patterns of adult hermit crabs.
KEY WORDS: Recruitment · Hermit crab · Pagurushirsutiusculus · Shell limitation
Published in MEPS Vol.
157
(1997) on October 16
ISSN: 0171-8630.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 1997
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