Preliminary characterization of the acoustic signals emitted by the crab Neohelice granulata (Brachyura, Varunidae) in different social layouts

SAL MOYANO MP; HIDALGO F; BUSCAINO G; FILICIOTTO F; LORUSSO M; MAZZOLA S; CORRIAS V; BAZTERRICA MC; GAVIO MA

Dublin

Conferencia; Fourth International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life; 2016

Many marine animals use acoustic signals to enact a wide range of bio-ecological activities and in different behavioural contexts. Several species ofmarine crustaceans have evolved various sound productions mechanisms (reviewed by Greenfiled, 2002). Multiple anatomical structures on theclaws, walking legs, and carapace of fiddler and crabs are used for stridulation. Semi-terrestrial crabs also produce sound by vibrating theirappendages. Acoustic signal consist of several (3-10) closely ?pulses?, with consecutive sounds produced at intervals ranging from 2 s to 15 s(Salmon, 1983). Most of the spectral energy in the calls is confined to frequencies between 300 Hz and 3 kHz (Popper et al., 2001), and the soundsof each species differ in temporal pattern as well as spectral energy distribution; they are similar in temporal characteristics.Beginning in the late 1989s, an explosion of works involved the ecology, physiology, toxicology and behaviour of the burrowing crab Neohelicegranulata, considered as a model species in a variety of biological fields, even if, until now there are no studies about its acoustic emissions.N. granulata is a burrowing semi-terrestrial crab (Fig.1) found in the intertidal zone of estuaries, salt marshes and mangroves of the South-westernAtlantic Ocean. The aim of this study was to characterize, preliminarily, for the first time the acoustic signals emitted by the crab N. granulata indifferent social layouts