Population structure and shell use in the hermit crab, Clibanarius erythropus: a comparison between Mediterranean and Atlantic shores

Two populations of Clibanarius erythropus from Mediterranean and Atlantic r ocky shores were studied to provide data on morphometry, population structu re and shell use under different environmental contexts. Hermit era), ses a nd size were analysed as well as genus, dimension and status of the inhabit ed shells. A comparison between the two Populations gave particular emphasi s to the morphological and eco-ethological plasticity of this hermit specie s.