Crypsis and predation in Talitrus Saltator (Amphipoda, talitridae)
Year: 1994
Authors: Ugolini A., Esposito O., Castellini C.
Autors Affiliation: Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e Genetica, Univ. di Firenze, Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italy;
Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Largo E. fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy
Abstract: It has recently observed that the colour of talitrus saltator backs matches the sand of their home beach. Although no predators are known to feed specifically on sandhoppers as far as veterbrates are concerned some littoral fish and some shore birds have been observed to occasionally eat sandhoppers. for these reasons, we decided to verify the following points in the laboratory: 1) whether the colour of the back of T. saltator depends on its food, and 2) whether crypsis in sandhopeers reduces their risk of predation.
Journal/Review:
Volume: 1 (1) Pages from: 389 to: 390
KeyWords: crypsis; predation; amphipoda; talitrus saltator;