Figure 2d

 




Figure 2d details the hypothesized trophic impacts of juvenile mitten crabs in freshwater systems. As omnivores, juvenile mitten crabs consume both terrestrial and submerged aquatic vegetation, detritivores (worms), insect larvae, carrion and other small crustaceans (Panning 1938). The freshwater system that feeds into San Francisco Bay supports a large population of crayfish (Hieb 1997) whose feeding habits are virtually identical to those of the mitten crab (Huxley 1880). It can thus be surmised that the mitten crabs may be engaged in competitive interactions with crayfish.

 

amended 6/10/98