Abstract
Calcinus verrilli, a hermit crab endemic to Bermuda, is unusual in that it inhabits both gastropod tubes (Dendropoma spp. and Vermicularia spp.) and gastropod shells (Cerithium litteratum). In the laboratory, when given a choice between shells and tubes, neither males nor females showed a significant preference for either shelter. In a Y-maze test of attraction to chemical extracts from tube- versus shell-forming gastropods, males showed no discrimination, but females collected in tubes preferred the tube-associated extract. Therefore, previous experience may be important in determination of adult preference in females.
This is contribution #1563 of the Bermuda Biological Station for Research and contribution #38 of the Bermuda Biodiversity Project.
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Rodrigues, L.J., Dunham, D.W., Coates, K.A. (2002). Gastropod Shells or Gastropod Tubes? Shelter Choice in the Hermit Crab Calcinus Verrilli . In: Escobar-Briones, E., Alvarez, F. (eds) Modern Approaches to the Study of Crustacea. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0761-1_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0761-1_21
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