Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Multiple mechanisms of resource acquisition in hermit crabs: Scrums and odor-induced grasping (Decapoda, Diogenidae)

Publication ,  Journal Article
Hazlett, BA; Rittschof, D
Published in: Crustaceana
January 1, 1997

Two behavioral mechanisms shown by hermit crabs (brief grasps of shells and serum formation) which increase their chances of obtaining new gastropod shells were examined. Individuals of Clibanarius vittatus which smell odors from the snail Littorina irrorata show brief grasps of L. irrorata shells occupied by hermit crabs but long grasps of empty shells. The brief grasp allows identification of the species of shell and whether or not it is occupied. Hermit crabs which are attracted to and closely attend a pair of crabs engaged in shell exchange behavior (scrummage formation) sometimes obtain a shell vacated by the initiating crab as it moves into the shell vacated by the non-initiating crab. These behaviors minimize the time spent by crabs on shells that are not available for easy occupation.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Crustaceana

DOI

ISSN

0011-216X

Publication Date

January 1, 1997

Volume

70

Issue

1

Start / End Page

68 / 74

Related Subject Headings

  • Marine Biology & Hydrobiology
  • 3109 Zoology
  • 3103 Ecology
  • 0608 Zoology
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Hazlett, B. A., & Rittschof, D. (1997). Multiple mechanisms of resource acquisition in hermit crabs: Scrums and odor-induced grasping (Decapoda, Diogenidae). Crustaceana, 70(1), 68–74. https://doi.org/10.1163/156854097X00357
Hazlett, B. A., and D. Rittschof. “Multiple mechanisms of resource acquisition in hermit crabs: Scrums and odor-induced grasping (Decapoda, Diogenidae).” Crustaceana 70, no. 1 (January 1, 1997): 68–74. https://doi.org/10.1163/156854097X00357.
Hazlett, B. A., and D. Rittschof. “Multiple mechanisms of resource acquisition in hermit crabs: Scrums and odor-induced grasping (Decapoda, Diogenidae).” Crustaceana, vol. 70, no. 1, Jan. 1997, pp. 68–74. Scopus, doi:10.1163/156854097X00357.
Journal cover image

Published In

Crustaceana

DOI

ISSN

0011-216X

Publication Date

January 1, 1997

Volume

70

Issue

1

Start / End Page

68 / 74

Related Subject Headings

  • Marine Biology & Hydrobiology
  • 3109 Zoology
  • 3103 Ecology
  • 0608 Zoology