STUDY ON THE HABITS OF THE CRAB DROMIA VULGARIS M.E

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Abstract
Symbiosis of D. vulgaris and the sponge Suberites domuncula is not specific, as often the crab covers its back with other species or even sea-weeds and small pieces of paper. Modes of manufacturing a case are subjected to many modifications. Equilibrium probably plays an important role. Various modes of putting on the case are shown, depending largely on the random position of the sponge. If a sponge be hidden daily in the same spot of the aquarium, and completely covered with stones, Dromia learns to seek and liberate it. D. possesses a marked faculty of choosing material, which depends somewhat on its past. If several different materials are put into the aquarium the one last carried is chosen. Great differences in behavior of individual crabs markedly depend on age. Younger crabs are more active and solve problems more rapidly than adults. It is concluded that D. possesses an associative memory.

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