Divergent life history patterns in the co-occurring intertidal crabs Panopeus herbstii and Eurypanopeus depressus (Crustacea: Brachyura: Xanthidae)

The xanthid crabs Panopeus herbstii and Eurypanopeus depressus are a co-occurring, related species pair that inhabit intertidal oyster reef communities. Panopeus herbstii is larger, faster growing, longer lived and more fecund. Eurypanopeus depressus matures earlier, produces more broods per lifetim...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) 1982, Vol.8 (2), p.173-180
Main Author: McDonald, J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
animal ecology
animals
Aquatic communities
aquatic habitat
aquatic organisms
Crabs
Ecological life histories
Eggs
Evolutionary theories
Female animals
Life span
Microhabitats
Mud
Oysters
RESEARCH PAPERS
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Summary:The xanthid crabs Panopeus herbstii and Eurypanopeus depressus are a co-occurring, related species pair that inhabit intertidal oyster reef communities. Panopeus herbstii is larger, faster growing, longer lived and more fecund. Eurypanopeus depressus matures earlier, produces more broods per lifetime and has a shorter generation time. These divergent life history patterns appear related to the different ways in which these 2 crabs utilize food and space in the intertidal zone. P. herbstii, which consumes primarily oysters, clams, mussels and barnacles, is prevented by its larger size from entering most of the narrow spaces between living oysters. The narrow spaces are the primary refuge for E. depressus which has a less restricted, more omnivorous diet.
ISSN:0171-8630
1616-1599
DOI:10.3354/meps008173