Effects of food and shell cues on mating in the hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus

摘要: In hermit crabs, Clibanarius vittatus, activities associated with foraging for food and searching a different gastropod shell are incompatible mating activities. We hypothesized that due to the short season would have priority over feeding or seeking. compared of groups crabs in absence cues presented cues, combination cues. measured number minutes precopulatory behaviors executed pairs formed these during 60 periods.Comparison activity presence availability supported our hypothesis. Shell had no effect on behaviors. However, responses did not support Food from high quality very significantly decreased both behavior executed. This was true alone shell-availability The dominance food-related reproductive surprising given C. vittatus at latitude tested.