Herbivory and predation by the mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii

Summary The mangrove tree crab (Aratus pisonii) is a key member of the arboreal arthropod community of the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) swamps of south Florida. Its ecological roles include primary herbivory, predation, and export of biomass and energy in the form of offspring and frass. Although the larval stage is planktonic, distribution of adults and Aratus leaf damage are patchy.