Concurrent Signals and Behavioral Plasticity in Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) Courtship

Behavioral flexibility and behavioral regulation through courtship signals may both contribute to mating success. Blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) form precopulatory pairs after courtship periods that are influenced by female and perhaps male urine-based chemical signals. In this study, male and female crabs were observed in 1.5-m circular outdoor pools for 45 min while the occurrence and sequence of courtship behaviors and pairing outcomes were recorded. These results were then compared with trials in which males or females were blindfolded; lateral antennule (outer flagellum) ablated; blindfolded and lateral antennule ablated; or had received nephropore blocks. The relative importance of visual and chemical sensory systems during blue crab courtship were then determined and urine and non-urine based chemical signals for both males and females were examined. Courtship behaviors varied considerably in occurrence and sequence; no measured behavior was necessary for pairing success. Male or female blindfolding had no effect on any measured behavior. Males and females required chemical information for normal courtship behaviors, yet blocking male or female urine release did not affect courtship behaviors. Males required chemical information to initiate pairing or to maintain stable pairs. Male urine release was necessary for stable pairing, suggesting that male urine signals may be involved in pair maintenance rather than pair formation. Females that could not receive chemical information paired faster and elicited fewer male agonistic behaviors. The results demonstrate a great variability and flexibility in blue crab courtship, with no evidence for stereotyped behavioral sequences. However, these behaviors appear regulated by urine- and nonurine-based redundant chemical signals emanating from both males and females. Although urine-based signals play roles in blue crab courtship, chemical signals from other sites appear to carry sufficient information to elicit a full range of behavioral responses in males and females.