Desiccation tolerance ofEurypanopeus depressus (smith) (Decapoda: Xanthidae) and the exploitation of microhabitat

Abstract

Investigations into zonation of estuarine invertebrates often indicate that animals living higher in the intertidal region have greater tolerance to effects of aerial exposure. Desiccation tolerances ofEurypanopeus depressus, a xanthid mud crab, were measured in the laboratory for both intertidal and subtidal populations to determine whether intertidal distribution is the result of either increased physiological resistance to drying or other factors. Initially, both populations had a similar percentage of body weight due to water, and at time of death both had lost a similar percentage of water. Desiccation tolerance increased exponentially with size. In laboratory experiments,E. depressus appears very susceptible to desiccation stress with loss of tactile response occurring at 30% depletion of body water. This crab may be able to avoid desiccation and survive in the intertidal zone by remaining in the shelter and moisture of oyster shells and mud at low tide. However,E. depressus may not be limited strictly by physical factors of its environment. Biotic factors such as behavior leading to predator avoidance are possibly more important components in limiting distribution.