Behavior of Stomatopod Crustaceans
Roy Caldwell, Professor
Integrative Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
Research in my laboratory is focused on stomatopod crustaceans, or mantis shrimp as they are commonly called. Stomatopods are marine predators that have evolved powerful raptorial appendages used in prey capture and processing as well as in inter- and intraspecific fighting. Current research in my laboratory is examining several aspects of stomatopod behavior including the evolution of mating systems, their sensory biology, locomotion and construction and learning.
Apprentices will have some choice concerning which projects they work on, depending on the availability of animals. One project I would like to see continue is examining what stimuli stomatopods use to distinguish possible prey. We will be looking at color, polarization and shape as variables that stomatopods might learn to use to select prey.
Role: 1. Animal care and feeding.
2. Participation in conducting research observations
Qualifications: I will be looking for two or three student apprentices this year. Students wishing to participate in these projects should have taken at least a course in General Biology. Courses in invertebrate biology and animal behavior would be useful. Practical knowledge in maintaining marine aquaria and using video equipment would also be helpful. Students will be expected to work approximately 6-9 hours per week caring for animals, designing and conducting their own research project, and writing a short paper at the end of the year summarizing their results.
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: http://ib.berkeley.edu/labs/caldwell/
Related website: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/crustacea/malacostraca/eumalacostraca/royslist/