Behavioural Responses of the Non-Marine Ostracod Heterocypris incongruens (Crustacea: Ostracoda) to Natural Chemical Cues: Laboratory Observations

Abstract

In aquatic environments, chemical cues are very important for the perception of danger, especially when visibility is low. It is known that ostracods rely on chemical senses to detect predators, which is essential for survival. Occurrence of alarm signals in the surroundings can affect their activities and behaviour. The present study investigates if the non-marine ostracod Heterocypris incongruens (Crustacea: Ostracoda) can detect and react to chemical compounds derived from a predator (Triturus spp. larvae) and from injured conspecifics. Also, the study aims to investigate whether habitat-substrate selection is at play when the individuals are in potential danger. The obtained results indicate that predator-derived chemicals and conspecific alarm cues induce specific behavioural responses: forming of aggregations, reduction of locomotion or camouflaging. It is possible that H. incongruens rapidly evaluates environmental cues and modifies defensive strategies depending on the type of semiochemicals perceived.