Occurrence of Armases angustum (Smith, 1870) (DECAPODA, SESARMIDAE) in tanks of Guzmania sp. (BROMELIACEAE) at tropical rain forest of Chocó (Colombia)

Abstract

Several Sesarmidae species live in phytotelmata as a strategy to avoid predation, find nutrients, and protect the juvenile. This study reports the occurrence of A. angustum to be associated with Guzmania sp. (Bromeliaceae) in rainforests of Colombia. A. angustum has morphological adaptations for climbing that allow access to bromeliads and other phytotelmata as other crab species reported in bromeliads and tree holes. Future research would be directed toward explaining the presence of A. angustum on bromeliads.