Meeting Abstract

83.6  Monday, Jan. 6 11:45  Smelling Out the Competition: Response Behavior of Naïve Crayfish to Invader Odors STUDER, T/P*; MOORE, P/A; Bowling Green State University; Bolwing Green State University tstuder@bgsu.edu

In aquatic environments, chemoreception is one of the most commonly used sensory system. A large variety of organisms use chemical signals to perceive and behaviorally respond to environmental stimuli such as avoiding predation, finding mates, fighting competitors and finding prey. While there are extensive studies on the use of chemoreception to detect predators and mates, there has been little work on the role that chemical signals play in detecting invasive competitors. Large-scale invasions of aquatic habitats by invasive organisms (zebra mussels, rusty crayfish, Asian carp) have significantly changed the ecosystem structure of these invaded habitats. The purpose of this study was to determine if crayfish can detect and respond to novel chemical cues being released by potential competitors. We have access to two spatially distinct populations of the native crayfish species Orconectes virilis. One population has been invaded by Orconectes rusticus (rusty crayfish) and the other is naïve to the presence and odors of this invader. To determine whether native crayfish can respond to novel competitor odors or whether these crayfish need to learn through association that these odors are connected with a competitor, we designed an experiment to monitor flicking responses to different odors. Naïve and experienced crayfish were presented with a series of odors over time and flicking rates (as a proxy measure for detection and response) were measured. The results showed change of flick rate in the presence of crayfish odor with variation between naïve and experienced O. virilis. In addition there was modulation of flick rate over time with successive crayfish odor exposures.