Claw autotomy does not influence digging ability in the Hillbilly Hairy Crayfish, Cambarus polypilosus

Abstract

Abstract Autotomy is the self-induced loss of a body part, which has evolved in animals at least nine times. Historically, autotomy has been seen as an anti-predator response that increases an animal’s chances of escape and survival. However, autotomy can also provide benefits such as reducing the cost of injury, increasing reproductive success, and allowing escape from non-predatory entrapments. One group of animals that has a high occurrence of autotomy are decapod crustaceans, such as crayfishes, where up to 50% of individuals may have autotomized appendages. In the current study, we investigate the effect of claw autotomy on the digging behaviour in the Hillbilly Hairy Crayfish, Cambarus polypilosus. Our results demonstrate that there was no influence on digging regardless of whether one or two claws were autotomized. Further, we demonstrate that the claws of C. polypilosus are sexually monomorphic, which is unusual among crustaceans.