Robinson M H, Abele L G
Science. 1970 Jul 17;169(3942):300-1. doi: 10.1126/science.169.3942.300.
The response of five species of crabs to simulated predator attack was examined. Two terrestrial species autotomized their chelipeds after the chelae were firmly attached to the predator. Selection for attack autotomy is balanced by selection for retention of the cheliped whenever the cheliped is important in social or maintenance functions.
