Relationship between the invasive slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata and benthic megafauna structure and diversity, in Arcachon Bay

摘要: The slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata ranks among the main invasive species on French coasts and is known to cause ecological impacts food web structure nutrient cycling. This study investigated effect of C. different components benthic megafauna diversity (species composition, α-, β- γ-diversity). In Arcachon Bay (France), was present in 58% 221 sampling stations. particularly abundant four assemblages, suggesting a non-random distribution its population. mean number per station (α-diversity) 11 with vs six without. Conversely, community similarity stations (β-diversity) higher when biomass increased. Opposing α- β-diversity trends presence explained global (γ-diversity) between both situations (with without fornicata). These results highlighted how this exotic engineer acted types diversity: increased sample but homogenized (decreasing β-diversity) comparison where absent. stock also monitored compared 1999. spread 1999 2011 has been limited 318 t which not statistically than previous estimate performed However, length collected significantly smaller, mainly due proportion small individuals.