Startle response of the invasive Asian shore crab under different environmental conditions
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ARTICLE
Startle response of the invasive Asian shore crab under different environmental conditions Natalie A. Saxton1 · Ashley D. Vernier1 · Mandi T. Jebe1 · Blaine D. Griffen1 Received: 23 October 2019 / Accepted: 5 April 2020 © Japan Ethological Society 2020
Abstract In recent years, researchers have recognized the importance of behavioral factors for invasive species success. There is evidence that an organism’s ability to quickly react to stimuli may be one behavioral factor leading to invasive success. In this study, we analyzed the startle response of the invasive Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus (De Haan, 1835), which measured here as a binary response variable of either active or inactive behavior when the rock they were under was suddenly lifted up. The behavior of H. sanguineus was compared to other crab species in the area to determine how speciesdependent their responses were. This response was compared across an intertidal gradient with variation in temperature, intertidal elevation, substrate, time of day, and male-to-female ratios to determine if these affected the crabs’ responses. We found that H. sanguineus was more responsive than other species, perhaps indicative of a generally high activity level for this species. Surprisingly, we found that their behavior was not affected by any environmental factors tested. The consistently active behavior of this crab could be one factor contributing to its high level of success as an invasive species. Keywords Asian shore crab · Behavior · Hemigrapsus sanguineus · Intertidal elevation · Species invasion
Introduction Invasive species pose a great risk to both our ecosystems and human welfare. In the last few decades, this threat has significantly increased due to international travel and trade (Kolar and Lodge 2001; Perrings et al. 2005; Lodge et al. 2006; McGeoch et al. 2010; Meyerson and Mooney 2007). Despite preventative measures, the estimated number of non-native species in the United States is approximately 50,000 and increasing (Pimentel et al. 2000; 2005; Work et al. 2005), with approximately 4,500 of these becoming problematic invaders (Corn et al. 2002). Efforts to predict which species will be successful invaders, and to control advancing invasions, often hinge on understanding what characteristics make these invasive species more successful than others (Ricciardi and Rasmussen 1998; Kolar and Lodge 2001; Allendorf and Lundquist 2003; Devin and Beisel 2007). Various studies have identified consistent behaviors and characteristics that may contribute to alien species’ success * Blaine D. Griffen [email protected] 1
Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, 4102 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
both in the introductory and dispersal phases of invasion (Chapple et al. 2012; Holway and Suarez 1999; Human and Gordon 1999; Kolar and Lodge 2001; Rehage and Sih 2004). Some of these include seeking shelter, exploratory behavior, boldness, predator avoidance, movements, and behavioral plasticity (Chapple et al. 2011, 2012; Cote et al. 2
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