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A comparative analysis of sperm storage and mating strategies in five species of brachyuran crabs
Rodgers, P.J.; Reaka, M.L.; Hines, A.H. (2011). A comparative analysis of sperm storage and mating strategies in five species of brachyuran crabs. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 158(8): 1733-1742. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-011-1687-6
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keyword
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Rodgers, P.J.
  • Reaka, M.L.
  • Hines, A.H.

Abstract
    Variation in female sperm storage is explained, in part, by the amount of sperm transferred at mating. Laboratory mating experiments were conducted on Eurypanopeus depressus and Rhithropanopeus harrisii from the Chesapeake Bay and Pachygrapsus transversus from Florida, while mated pairs of Uca beebei and U. terpsichores were collected from mudflats in Panama. All experiments and collections were conducted during the summer of 2006 and 2007. More sperm was transferred to larger than smaller females, and by species with long copulation durations (R. harrisii and E. depressus). These two species live in cryptic habitats, have high sperm/egg ratios, and likely store sperm across multiple broods. In contrast, P. transversus and U. beebei mate conspicuously, have short copulations, transfer fewer sperm, and have low sperm/egg ratios. Comparisons of sperm transfer across different mating strategies and habitats provide a better understanding of female sperm storage in the Brachyura.

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