The utility of wax replicas as a measure of crab attack frequency in the rocky intertidal

摘要: Crabs are thought to play a vital role in structuring gastropod populations. Studies quantifying the frequencies with which crabs attack gastropods natural settings are, however, scarce. Although wide variety of techniques exist predator–prey interactions can be investigated (e.g. laboratory experiments, exclusion caging, tethering and population surveys), there is need for methods that provide large amounts quantitative data, particularly documenting frequency gastropods. This study examines utility using wax replicas determine crab frequencies. Replicas Chlorostoma funebralis, Nucella ostrina lamellosa were bolted mesh screens deployed rocky intertidal. attacked gastropods, leaving characteristic marks wax. In most cases, appendage used could identified from (i.e. chelae vs walking legs). The effectiveness this technique was verified surveys repair scar populations; patterns frequency, determined number marked replicas, consistent those both greater at wave protected, quiet water locality. confirms value investigations predation type attack, illustrates potential method intensity. development quantify magnitude exact nature effects on intertidal communities pivotal, given intensity commercial fishing some species crabs.