Shell shape affects movement patterns and microhabitat distribution in the hermit crabs Calcinus elegans, C. laevimanus and C. latens

摘要: Abstract This study examined the influence of shell shape on distribution and movement patterns three species Hawaiian hermit crabs: Calcinus elegans , C. laevimanus latens . Field surveys showed strong differences in use depending habitat. Individuals C were more frequently unusual shapes shells (the cowrie Cypraea caputserpentis variable worm Serpulorbis variabilis ) when tide pools standard gastropod shells, such as dog whelk Nassarius papillosus found subtidal. In addition, for both pools, most crabs shaped out top rocks, whereas that under rocks. laboratory, individuals initiated exchanges given empty readily occupied but did not move into shells. Mark-recapture experiments field moved stayed longer placed subtidal coral heads, stay heads (in part due to predation). Laboratory tests dislodged by surge than Thus, difference preferred vs. unpreferred is an important factor influencing microhabitat these crabs.