Spatial Orientation and Modeling in the Arboreal Mangrove Crab, Aratus pisonii (Crustacea, Grapsidae) H. Milne Edwards 1837

Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Keywords

Aratus pisonii, Mangrove Tree, Orientation

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

Few studies have been conducted in the field or in the laboratory regarding the behavior of Aratus pisonii, an integral member of the mangrove community. This crab inhabits Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, and Laguncularia racemosa, the red, white and black mangroves of Southern Florida. For this study, an extensive ethogram was established in the field and a behavioral time budget was ascertained. A pilot study combining both field and laboratory observations revealed the crabs' behavioral responses to two dimensional and three dimensional models of their predators. Predator models include; the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, the yellow crowned night heron and the snowy egret. Models were sessile in the field and two were presented per trial. In the lab, models of rats, fish, crabs and birds were manipulated to mimic the natural behaviors of predators. Habituation trials and novel stimulus trials were also run. Aratus responded to all models in the field and in the lab.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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