Invasion History of Parasitic Castrators Influence an Estuarine Crab Host’s Demographics, Physiology, and Behaviors

Due to anthropogenic mechanisms, parasites are now being found outside their native ranges where they can impact naïve host populations. White-fingered mud crabs (Rhithropanopeus harrisii) host several endoparasites, but the most prevalent are an invasive, castrating rhizocephalan (Loxothylacus panopaei) and a native, castrating entoniscid isopod (Cryptocancrion brevibrachium). This dissertation examines (1) long-term L. panopaei infection prevalence in R. harrisii throughout the Chesapeake Bay, (2) salinity tolerance of R. harrisii from US Atlantic and Gulf coast populations that differ in invasion history with L. panopaei, and (3) if endoparasites alter R. harrisii’s feeding ability and susceptibility to predators.

Author

• Pochtar, Darby Leana

• Cryptocancrion brevibrachium
• Environmental refuge
• Host-Parasite Coevolution
• Invasion Ecology
• Loxothylacus panopaei
• Rhithropanopeus harrisii

Identifier

hdl:1920/13763

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:MARS:1920/13763