Claw regeneration, waving display and burrow characteristics of Austruca perplexa (H. Milne Edwards, 1852) (Brachyura, Ocypodidae) from southern Thailand

Abstract

Abstract We studied the effects of claw regeneration on male waving rate and burrow characteristics (i.e., important mate choice criteria) by examining the waving rates and burrow characteristics (diameter, total and horizontal lengths, depth, volume, maximum width, entry and burrow angles, and presence and location of chambers) of large-sized original-clawed males (OCMs) and regenerated-clawed males (RCMs) of Austruca perplexa (H. Milne Edwards, 1852). Female burrows were also examined. The results showed that female burrows were smaller than male burrows, with no chamber and, thus, female burrows are not used for breeding; however, 80% of RCM burrows, and 65% of OCM burrows, had chambers. Other characteristics were not different between RCM and OCM burrows, except for maximum width, which was larger in RCM burrows. The waving rates of OCMs and RCMs were not different. Our results indicate that claw regeneration do not have detrimental effects on male waving rate and burrow characteristics.