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Updated: May 5, 2026

Identification of Olfactory Volatiles using Gas Chromatography-Multi-unit Recordings GCMR in the Insect Antennal Lobe
Published on: February 24, 2013
Location of volatile odor sources by ghost crabOcypode quadrata (Fabricius)
C A Wellins1, D Rittschof, M Wachowiak
1Duke University Marine Laboratory, 28516, Beaufort, North Carolina.
Abstract:
The ghost crab,Ocypode quadrata, was tested in the field for its ability to locate sources of volatile cues. The pure compound skatole, 3-methylindole, was a potent attractant. Crabs also located sources of complex odors such as dead fish,Lutjanus campechanus, dead mole crabs,Emerita talpoida; and peeled bananas. Ghost crabs possess concealed and reduced antennules that may not be the primary olfactory organs. Chemosensory hairs borne on the dactyls may be the primary detection system.
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