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Mating Strategies of Invasive Versus Indigenous Crayfish: Multiple Paternity as a Driver for Invasion Success?
Francesconi C, Pîrvu M, Schrimpf A, Schulz R, PÂrvulescu L and Theissinger K 
Published Online: 12/31/2021
Abstract
The invasive spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus) has been able to colonize many European waterbodies since its first introduction into Europe, threatening the indigenous crayfish fauna. The remarkable reproductive plasticity of this species has been suggested as an important factor contributing to the alarming invasiveness of this species. In this study, we compared the reproductive strategies of an invasive (F. limosus) and a sympatric indigenous crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus). We questioned if the reproductive abilities, namely parthenogenesis and multiple paternity, may contribute to an ongoing invasion process in the Lower Danube. Using microsatellites, we genotyped the mothers and their offspring from 11 clutches of F. limosus and 18 clutches of P. leptodactylus. While no parthenogenesis has been found in F. limosus populations, multiple paternity has been detected for the first time in both species, with comparable incidence. The results of the study indicate that multiple paternity does not play a dominant role in the successful colonization of F. limosus in the Danube. However, the presented results have to be regarded as a pilot study, with a limited number of samples and loci investigated. Given the relevance of mating system knowledge for management measures, future studies with larger sample number could provide valuable contributions to ongoing conservation actions.
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How to Cite
Francesconi C, Pîrvu M, Schrimpf A, Schulz R, PÂrvulescu L and Theissinger K. (2021). Mating Strategies of Invasive Versus Indigenous Crayfish: Multiple Paternity as a Driver for Invasion Success?. Freshwater Crayfish 26(2):89-98. doi: 10.5869/fc.2021.v26-2.89
Author Information
Caterina Francesconi, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, Landau, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany76829. E-mail: francesconi@uni-landau.de
Malina Pirvu, Department of Biology-Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, 16A Pestalozzi St, Timisoara, , Romania300115 . E-mail:
Anne Schrimpf, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, Landau, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany76829. E-mail: schrimpf@uni-landau.de
Ralf Schulz, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, Landau, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany76829. E-mail: schulz@uni-landau.de
Lucian Parvulescu, Department of Biology-Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, 16A Pestalozzi St, Timisoara, , Romania. E-mail: lucian.parvulescu@e-uvt.ro
Kathrin Theissinger,* LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Georg Voigt Strasse 4-6, Frankfurt, , Germany60322. E-mail: kathrin.theissinger@senckenberg.de
Corresponding Author indicated by an *.
Publication History
Manuscript Submitted: 2/6/2021
Manuscript Accepted: 11/6/2021
Published Online: 12/31/2021
Published in Print: 12/31/2021
Funding Information
No specific funding statement is available for this article.