Female reproductive status affecting chimney characteristics and time allocation for surface activities in Uca rosea (Tweedie, 1937) (Brachyura, Ocypodidae)

Abstract

We examined the effects of female reproductive status (ovigerous and non-ovigerous) on chimney characteristics and time allocation for surface activities in Uca rosea (Tweedie, 1937) (currently referred to as Tubuca rosea (Tweedie, 1937)). We investigated time spent on feeding, standing, in burrow, surface mating, walking, grooming, and digging of 13 ovigerous and 20 non-ovigerous females of similar-size and measured the diameter, width, and height of their chimneys. Chimneys of ovigerous females were wider and higher than those of non-ovigerous females, but chimney diameters did not differ. Ovigerous females spent less time on feeding and walking, but more time on standing, inside burrows, and mating than non-ovigerous females. Feeding rate/min did not differ between ovigerous and non-ovigerous females. This study reports, for the first time, that reproductive status of females affects chimney characteristics and time allocation for surface activities in U. rosea.