Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Brooks, W. Randy

Abstract

Previous studies indicate that hermit crabs may use the blood or hemolymph from dying crabs to locate the soon-to-be-vacated shells. In this study, I determined and characterized the responses of hermit crabs to hemolymph from various crustaceans. Hermit crabs tested included members of the Diogenidae: Dardanus venosus, Clibanarius tricolor, C. antillensis, C. vittatus, and Calcinus tibicen; and Paguridae: Pagurus longicarpus and P. annulipes. Test odor sources included the previously mentioned hermit crabs plus seven additional odors, including three non-anomuran crustaceans. Most significant responses to hemolymph were to species within the same family. In several cases, the strongest responses were to conspecifics or congenerics. These results show clearly that hermit crabs in general use chemicals from other hermit crabs as cues for finding new shells. These results also show that the shell a crab occupies influences its response to odors, illustrating the role of context in these interactions.

Extent

39 p.

Comments

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1996.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Identifier

FADT15354

Format

pdf

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