Abstract
The ghost crab,Ocypode quadrata, was tested in the field for its ability to locate sources of volatile cues. The pure compound skatole, 3-methylindole, was a potent attractant. Crabs also located sources of complex odors such as dead fish,Lutjanus campechanus, dead mole crabs,Emerita talpoida; and peeled bananas. Ghost crabs possess concealed and reduced antennules that may not be the primary olfactory organs. Chemosensory hairs borne on the dactyls may be the primary detection system.
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Wellins, C.A., Rittschof, D. & Wachowiak, M. Location of volatile odor sources by ghost crabOcypode quadrata (Fabricius). J Chem Ecol 15, 1161–1169 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01014819
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01014819