Stereotypy of Agonistic Movements in the Spider Crab Microphrys Bicornutus

Abstract

AbstractCine films of the movements of the spider crab Microphrys bicurnulus during walking, feeding, and agonistic interactions were analyzed. 1. The variability in final position of ambulatory leg movements (displays) executed during agonistic interactions was significantly less (F = 2.29, p < 0.05) than the variability in final leg position during walking. 2. The variability in final position of cheliped movements (displays) executed during agonistic interactions was significantly less (F = 2.21, p < 0.05) than the variability in final cheliped position during feeding. 3. There was no significant decrease in temporal variability between non-display and display movements.