Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Size-Specific Emergence Of The Marsh Snail, Littorina Irrorata: Effect Of Predation By Blue Crabs In A Virginia Salt Marsh, Hilary S. Stanhope, William C. Banta, Michael H. Temkin
Size-Specific Emergence Of The Marsh Snail, Littorina Irrorata: Effect Of Predation By Blue Crabs In A Virginia Salt Marsh, Hilary S. Stanhope, William C. Banta, Michael H. Temkin
Gulf and Caribbean Research
Marsh periwinkles of 5 to 7 mm in shell height were eaten regularly by blue crabs. Fractures marking unsuccessful crab attacks were present in about 25% of medium-sized (10-16 mm) snails and over 60% of larger snails (over 16 mm). Medium-sized snails, subject to predation, leave the water more frequently than larger snails, but only about a quarter of the snail population leaves the water during high tide. We found no evidence that the snails leave the water because they sense blue crabs in the water.