Heterospecific timing of waving display in ocypodid crabs Ilyoplax pusilla and Uca lactea

Abstract

This study explores whether timing adjustment in ocypodid waving also occurs between heterospecific pairs. Analysis of the dyadic interactions between neighbouring males of Ilyoplax pusilla and Uca lactea in the field showed that the former tended to wave with some delay after each U. lactea wave, while the latter was little influenced by I. pusilla waves. The heterospecific wave timing of I. pusilla by U. lactea waves can be viewed as a weakened form of the conspecific wave timing mechanism in this species.