Preference of Helice tientsinensis and Sesarma plicata for typical salt marsh plants in the north of Hangzhou Bay

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2019.06.012

Abstract

Abstract: Based on an investigation of Fengxian tidal flats, this study analyzed the feeding preference and influencing factors of two dominant crabs-Helice tientsinensis and Sesarma plicata-on typical salt marsh plants Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis via an indoor feeding experiment. The study provides a reference to further understanding of the control mechanisms for competition between Spartina and Phragmites. The results showed that the preference of the two crabs for different plant organs was:Leaves > Roots > Stalk. However, the preference varies across different plants; namely, Helice tientsinensis prefers Phragmites leaves, while Sesarma plicata prefers Spartina leaves. The consumption of stalk and roots of Spartina is higher than Phragmites. In addition to crab weight and species, the feeding preference is also positively correlated with the content of crude protein in plants.

Key words: Helice tientsinensis, Sesarma plicata, Spartina, Phragmites, feeding preference

CLC Number:

Q958.1

LUO Bei-jing, LI Xiang, LUO Ding-hui, XU Ping, CHEN Xue-chu, YOU Wen-hui. Preference of Helice tientsinensis and Sesarma plicata for typical salt marsh plants in the north of Hangzhou Bay[J]. Journal of East China Normal University(Natural Sc, 2019, 2019(6): 123-131.

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