HABITAT AND DIET OF THE NON-NATIVE CRABHEMIGRAPSUS SANGUINEUSIN SOUTHEASTERN NEW ENGLAND

Abstract

Intertidal distribution, habitat, and diet of the recently introduced western Pacific shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus (De Haan) were studied in southern New England. H. sanguineus was found in rocky intertidal coastal and estuarine environments, in salinities as low as 24 ppt. H. sanguineus was more abundant in lower and middle than in upper intertidal elevations, and abundance increased with rock cover. Gut contents of H. sanguineus included a variety of food items, particularly crustacean remains, algae, and vascular plants, indicating an omnivorous diet. H. sanguineus abundances and sizes at different sites suggested a trend of northward expansion of its range.