The effects of parasitism by the barnacle Loxothylacus panopaei (Gissler) (Cirripedia: Rhizocephala) on growth and survival of the host crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould) (Brachyura: Xanthidae)

Interrupting a multi-species bioinvasion vector: The efficacy of in-water cleaning for removing biofouling on obsolete vessels

“…Interestingly, the crab parasite Lo xo thyl acus p an o p aei, which parasitizes several crab species including Rhithro p an o p eus harrisii (Alvarez et al, 1995), was also recorded in 18% of pre-scrub samples. R. harrisii itself is a very successful invader with established non-native populations on the coasts of 21 different countries in Europe, North and Central America, Asia and Africa (Roche and Torchin, 2007).…”

Rhizocephalan infection modifies host food consumption by reducing host activity levels

“…Parasitic infection begins when a female cyprid larva settles on either a male or female crab and grows a system of branching roots along the intestines of the crab. This initial stage, called the interna, resides entirely within the host (Alvarez et al, 1995;O'Brien and Van Wyk, 1985;Walker et al, 1992). Eventually an externa is produced as the rhizocephalan matures, and a portion of the parasite erupts under the abdomen of the crab.…”

High regional differentiation in a North American crab species throughout its native range and invaded European waters: a phylogeographic analysis

“…It is easy to collect and, because its larvae show resistance to lower salinities, its ecological and physiological requirements are well studied (e.g., Alvarez et al 1995;Grosholz and Ruiz 1995;Cripe et al 2003). The native distribution of this species extends from New Brunswick (Canada) to Veracruz (Mexico).…”