Abstract
The occurrence of empty gastropod shells and those occupied by the hermit crab, Pagurus bernhardus, was examined on the shore. This survey suggested that small crabs prefer L. littoralis shells to those of Gibbula species and this was confirmed by preference tests in the laboratory. Crabs removed from these small shells show an initial preference for Nucella shells to those of L. littorea. However, medium sized crabs collected in either Nucella or L. littorea prefer the species in which they were collected. This preference is still apparent when the size of the test shells is varied. These data provide the first clear evidence for a modification of shell preferences after experience of particular shell species.
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