Native crab and crayfish co-occurrence: First evidence in Europe

Giuseppe Mazza; Elena Tricarico; Fabio Cianferoni; Gianluca Stasolla; Alberto F. Inghilesi; Antonio Zoccola; Gianna Innocenti

doi:10.1515/biolog-2017-0086

Article

Native crab and crayfish co-occurrence: First evidence in Europe

Giuseppe Mazza , Elena Tricarico , Fabio Cianferoni , Gianluca Stasolla , Alberto F. Inghilesi , Antonio Zoccola and Gianna Innocenti

Published/Copyright: July 31, 2017

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From the journal Biologia Volume 72 Issue 7

Abstract

Cases of co-occurrence among freshwater decapods are few. In their European range, the crab Potamon fluviatile and the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex do not usually share the same stream section or pond even if they live in sympatry, suggesting a strong segregation of the two species. The coexistence was hypothesized during the Pleistocene era, but without evidence of recent contact between them. The co-occurrence of these two species (i.e., occupying a common area) is reported in a stream of the Central Italy, being the first case in Italy and in Europe. To assess this co-occurrence, in 2015 we investigated three transects (only crabs, only crayfish and both species), collecting biotic and abiotic data. The three transects were similar for canopy cover, substrate composition and density of potential shelters (but not for the abiotic parameters), and characterized by a good water quality and abundance of preys, being suitable for the two species. No agonistic behavioural patterns have been observed, leading to hypothesize that co-occurrence may be favoured by the slightly smaller size of crayfish and crabs in the shared area than the size of animals in the other transects or by the different microhabitats chosen by crayfish and crabs when sharing the same stream section. Other possible explanations are discussed here, but further studies are necessary to better understand the co-occurrence of these two native crustaceans. Moreover, urgent measures are demanded to guarantee the survival of these protected species hampered by several threats.

Key words: Austropotamobius pallipes complex; freshwater decapods; Potamon fluviatile; protected species; stream; syntopy

Acknowledgements

This paper is dedicated to the memory of our tireless guide Francesca Gherardi, who studied, with brilliant results, the behaviour and ecology of freshwater crayfish and crabs. Many thanks are due to the “Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna” National Park, that accorded us the permit (#0002435, 7^th May 2015) to monitor the crustacean populations inside the protected area. We wish to thank Mala Ram for the English editing.

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Received: 2017-2-1

Accepted: 2017-3-28

Published Online: 2017-7-31

Published in Print: 2017-7-26

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https://doi.org/10.1515/biolog-2017-0086

Keywords for this article

Austropotamobius pallipes complex; freshwater decapods; Potamon fluviatile; protected species; stream; syntopy