Doors to the Homes: Signal Potential of Red Coloration of Claws in Social Hermit Crabs.

ABSTRACT: Red coloration on a signaler's body may be an informative signal in many animals. For species that inhabit architecture (e.g., burrows, nests, or other structures), certain parts of the body are more exposed than others, potentially serving as superior platforms for signaling via coloration. Yet whether animals differentially advertise red coloration on body parts that are more versus less exposed from their architecture remains to be tested. Here, we systematically quantified red coloration in social hermit crabs (Coenobita compressus). These crabs inhabit architecturally remodeled shells and have claws that visibly block the shell entrance, like doors to their homes. We hypothesized that red coloration of claws may be a signal of resource-holding potential (RHP). Consistent with t

SUBMITTER: Doherty CTM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10263385 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature