Disturbance pheromones in the crayfish Orconectes virilis

Abstract

The reactions of individual crayfish to the introduction of waters from tanks containing other individuals were recorded to test for the release of chemicals by stressed crayfish. Female Orconectes virilis and male O. rusticus did not show responses to stressed crayfish. Male O. virilis responded differently to undisturbed and disturbed male crayfish (conspecific and heterospecific). Responses to waters from tanks which contained disturbed individuals were similar whether the source of disturbance was aggressive, predatory, or thermal. Chemical(s) involved appear to persist for at least one hour at room temperature.