Predation-reproduction conflict resolution in the hermit crab, Clibanariusvittatus

Activities associated with courtship are often in conflict with avoiding el evated predation risk. In polygamous species with temporally restricted mat ing seasons, males should be less responsive to interruption of courtship b y detection of elevated predation risk compared to females. We tested this prediction with the hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus. Courting males contin ued to execute pre-copulatory behavior patterns when exposed to predator od ors. However, in the presence of predator odors, fewer pairs were establish ed. Exposing previously paired males and females to predator cues showed th at males were unaffected in their motivation to form pairs, whereas females were no longer attractive to males following exposure to predator cues.