Herbivory in Crabs: Adaptations and Ecological Considerations

Plant material is the major source of nutrition for many species of crabs in both marine and terrestrial habitats. Physical and chemical characteristics of plants can lead to difficulties in harvesting and ingestion, to low digestability, unpalatability and toxicity, and to deficiencies in specific...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American zoologist 1992-01, Vol.32 (3), p.370-381
Main Authors: WOLCOTT, DONNA L., O'CONNOR, NANCY J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brackish
Crabs
Decapoda
Diet
Ecology
Food
Foraging
Freshwater
Herbivores
Marine
Nitrogen
Plant litter
Plant products
Plants
Predation
Shellfish
The Compleat Crab
Zoology
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Summary:Plant material is the major source of nutrition for many species of crabs in both marine and terrestrial habitats. Physical and chemical characteristics of plants can lead to difficulties in harvesting and ingestion, to low digestability, unpalatability and toxicity, and to deficiencies in specific nutrients, especially nitrogen, vitamins and fatty acids. We describe the range of herbivory in crabs, as well as the anatomical, physiological and behavioral adaptations that enhance nutrient acquisition from plant material. We assess the impact of herbivory by crabs on plant communities, and highlight topics for further research.
ISSN:1540-7063
0003-1569
1557-7023
DOI:10.1093/icb/32.3.370