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Silva DJA, Erickson MF, dos Santos Guidi R, Pessoa DMA. Thin-fingered fiddler crabs display a natural preference for UV light cues but show no sensory bias to other hypertrophied claw coloration. Behav Processes 2022; 200:104667. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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2
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Duarte RC, Dias GM, Flores AAV, Stevens M. Different ontogenetic trajectories of body colour, pattern and crypsis in two sympatric intertidal crab species. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Animals frequently exhibit great variation in appearance, especially in heterogeneous habitats where individuals can be concealed differentially against backgrounds. Although background matching is a common anti-predator strategy, gaps exist in our understanding of within- and among-species variation. Specifically, the drivers of changes in appearance associated with habitat use and occurring through ontogeny are poorly understood. Using image analysis, we tested how individual appearance and camouflage in two intertidal crab species, the mud crab Panopeus americanus and the mottled crab Pachygrapsus transversus, relate to ontogeny and habitat use. We predicted that both species would change appearance with ontogeny, but that resident mud crabs would exhibit higher background similarity than generalist mottled crabs. Both species showed ontogenetic changes; the mud crabs became darker, whereas mottled crabs became more green. Small mud crabs were highly variable in colour and pattern, probably stemming from the use of camouflage in heterogeneous habitats during the most vulnerable life stage. Being habitat specialists, mud crabs were better concealed against all backgrounds than mottled crabs. Mottled crabs are motile and generalist, occupying macroalgae-covered rocks when adults, which explains why they are greener and why matches to specific habitats are less valuable. Differential habitat use in crabs can be associated with different coloration and camouflage strategies to avoid predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael C Duarte
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, São Sebastião, Brazil
| | - Gustavo M Dias
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Augusto A V Flores
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, São Sebastião, Brazil
| | - Martin Stevens
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, UK
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3
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A Review of the Ecomorphology of Pinnotherine Pea Crabs (Brachyura: Pinnotheridae), with an Updated List of Symbiont-Host Associations. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12110431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Almost all pea crab species in the subfamily Pinnotherinae (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) are considered obligatory endo- or ectosymbionts, living in a mutualistic or parasitic relationship with a wide variety of invertebrate hosts, including bivalves, gastropods, echinoids, holothurians, and ascidians. While the subfamily is regarded as one of the most morphologically adapted groups of symbiotic crabs, the functionality of these adaptations in relation to their lifestyles has not been reviewed before. Available information on the ecomorphological adaptations of various pinnotherine crab species and their functionality was compiled in order to clarify their ecological diversity. These include the size, shape, and ornamentations of the carapace, the frontal appendages and mouthparts, the cheliped morphology, the ambulatory legs, and the reproductive anatomy and larval characters. The phylogenetic relevance of the adaptations is also reviewed and suggestions for future studies are made. Based on an updated list of all known pinnotherine symbiont–host associations and the available phylogenetic reconstructions, it is concluded that, due to convergent evolution, unrelated species with a similar host interaction might display the same morphological adaptations.
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Dyson ML, Perez DM, Curran T, McCullough EL, Backwell PRY. The role of claw color in species recognition and mate choice in a fiddler crab. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02899-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Many animal signals are brightly colored and convey information about species identity as well as information about individual conspecifics. Colorful bird and lizard signals have received much attention, and many studies have related specific spectral properties of these signals to variation in mating success and territory defense. Far less attention has been given to invertebrates even though there are spectacularly colorful species. The enlarged claw of the male banana fiddler crab Austruca mjoebergi, for example, is bright yellow and contrasts vividly against the mudflat substrate. It is used in waving displays to attract females and in male territory defense and combat. Claw color varies among males in the degree of “yellowness,” ranging very pale yellow to orange. In this study, we examined female responses to claw color variation in two-choice tests using robotic crabs. We found that although females strongly discriminate against colors that fall outside the natural range of intensity, hue, and chroma, they show no consistent preferences for different claw colors within the natural range, and no single component of claw color (hue, chroma, or intensity) independently affected female choices. Using three-choice tests, we also showed that female preferences induce stabilizing selection on male claw color. We conclude that, although claw color is sufficient to facilitate species recognition, it is unlikely to be used in intraspecific mate choice to provide information about male quality.
Significance statement
Fiddler crabs are often brightly colored, are visually orientated animals, and have a highly complex social system. Despite this, there are few studies that have looked at the role of color in species recognition and mate choice in these animals. In this study, we use robotic crabs with painted claws to determine the role of claw color in species recognition and mate choice in the banana fiddler crab, Austruca mjoebergi. We found that color is important in conspecific mate recognition but the variation among males in claw “yellowness” is unlikely to be used by females in intraspecific mate choice decisions.
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Kerkhove TRH, Boyen J, De Backer A, Mol JH, Volckaert FAM, Leliaert F, De Troch M. Multilocus data reveal cryptic species in the Atlantic seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Crustacea: Decapoda). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe recognition of cryptic biodiversity provides valuable insights for the management of exploited species. The Atlantic seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) is a commercially important fishery resource in the Guianan ecoregion, South America. Previous research in Brazil suggested the presence of cryptic species within the genus. Here, we confirm this presence and delimit the species by applying a multilocus approach based on two mitochondrial (COI and cytb) and two nuclear (PEPCK and NaK) genes. Species boundaries were tested using BPP, GMYC and bPTP delimitation algorithms. These analyses provided strong support for three clades within the genus Xiphopenaeus, including one undescribed clade, which occurs sympatrically with X. kroyeri in the Western Atlantic. Unexpectedly, this undescribed clade is more closely related to the Pacific Xiphopenaeus riveti than to their Atlantic congener. Our DNA-based species delimitation was further supported by new ecological information on habitat and morphology (colour). We also expand the known distribution range of the cryptic species, currently restricted to Brazil, to include French Guiana, Suriname and Colombia. Our findings have important consequences for the management of the species, in terms of both biodiversity management and fisheries management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R H Kerkhove
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Campus Sterre S8, Krijgslaan, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jens Boyen
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Campus Sterre S8, Krijgslaan, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies De Backer
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences, Bio-Environmental Research Group, Ankerstraat, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Jan H Mol
- Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Leysweg, Postbus, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Filip A M Volckaert
- University of Leuven, Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, Ch. Deberiotstraat, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederik Leliaert
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Campus Sterre S8, Krijgslaan, Ghent, Belgium
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan, Meise, Belgium
| | - Marleen De Troch
- Ghent University, Department of Biology, Marine Biology Research Group, Campus Sterre S8, Krijgslaan, Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Aposematism: Unpacking the Defences. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:595-604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Price N, Green S, Troscianko J, Tregenza T, Stevens M. Background matching and disruptive coloration as habitat-specific strategies for camouflage. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7840. [PMID: 31127182 PMCID: PMC6534618 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Camouflage is a key defence across taxa and frequently critical to survival. A common strategy is background matching, resembling the colour and pattern of the environment. This approach, however, may be ineffective in complex habitats where matching one patch may lead to increased visibility in other patches. In contrast, disruptive coloration, which disguises body outlines, may be effective against complex backgrounds. These ideas have rarely been tested and previous work focuses on artificial systems. Here, we test the camouflage strategies of the shore crab (Carcinus maenas) in two habitats, being a species that is highly variable, capable of plastic changes in appearance, and lives in multiple environments. Using predator (bird and fish) vision modelling and image analysis, we quantified background matching and disruption in crabs from rock pools and mudflats, predicting that disruption would dominate in visually complex rock pools but background matching in more uniform mudflats. As expected, rock pool individuals had significantly higher edge disruption than mudflat crabs, whereas mudflat crabs more closely matched the substrate than rock pool crabs for colour, luminance, and pattern. Our study demonstrates facultative expression of camouflage strategies dependent on the visual environment, with implications for the evolution and interrelatedness of defensive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Price
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Samuel Green
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Jolyon Troscianko
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Tom Tregenza
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Martin Stevens
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK.
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Pires THS, Borghezan EA, Cunha SLR, Leitão RP, Pinto KS, Zuanon J. Sensory drive in colourful waters: morphological variation suggests combined natural and sexual selection in an Amazonian fish. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago H S Pires
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Evolutiva - LECE, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA., Petrópolis, Manaus AM, Brazil
| | - Elio A Borghezan
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Evolutiva - LECE, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA., Petrópolis, Manaus AM, Brazil
- Wildlife Research Center of Kyoto University., Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sergio L R Cunha
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Evolutiva - LECE, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA., Petrópolis, Manaus AM, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Ecossistemas Aquáticos - LEEA, Universidade Federal do Ceará/UFC, Fortaleza CE, Brazil
| | - Rafael P Leitão
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Peixes, Departamento de Biologia Geral - ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais/UFMG, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Kalebe S Pinto
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Evolutiva - LECE, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA., Petrópolis, Manaus AM, Brazil
| | - Jansen Zuanon
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Evolutiva - LECE, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA., Petrópolis, Manaus AM, Brazil
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Duarte RC, Stevens M, Flores AAV. The adaptive value of camouflage and colour change in a polymorphic prawn. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16028. [PMID: 30375480 PMCID: PMC6207773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34470-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Camouflage has been a textbook example of natural selection and adaptation since the time of the earliest evolutionists. However, aside from correlational evidence and studies using artificial dummy prey, experiments directly showing that better camouflaged prey to predator vision are at reduced risk of attack are lacking. Here, we show that the level of camouflage achieved through colour adjustments towards the appearance of seaweed habitats is adaptive in reducing predation pressure in the prawn Hippolyte obliquimanus. Digital image analysis and visual modelling of a fish predator (seahorse) predicted that brown prawns would be imperfectly concealed against both brown and red seaweed respectively, whereas pink prawns should be well camouflaged only in red weed. Predation trials with captive seahorses (Hippocampus reidi), coupled with high-speed video analyses, closely matched model predictions: predation rates were similar for brown prawns between seaweed types, but pink individuals were attacked significantly less on red than brown weed. Our work provides some of the clearest direct evidence to date that colour polymorphism and colour change provides a clear adaptive advantage for camouflage, and also highlights how this can be asymmetric across morphs and habitats (i.e. dependent on the specific background-morph combination).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Campos Duarte
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, Rod. Manoel Hypólito do Rego, km 131.5, São Sebastião, SP, 11612-109, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Comparada, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - Martin Stevens
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Augusto Alberto Valero Flores
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, Rod. Manoel Hypólito do Rego, km 131.5, São Sebastião, SP, 11612-109, Brazil
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10
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Correlates of color polymorphism in coconut crabs Birgus latro. ZOOLOGY 2018; 129:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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