Observations on the burrows and burrowing behaviour of Squilla mantis (L.) (Crustacea: Stomatopoda)

The burrows of Squilla mantis are described from polyester resin casts taken at two Adriatic sites near Ancona. Typically, burrows had two openings, one of which was larger than the other, and were basically U-shaped. An interesting association with the little-known caridean shrimp Athanas amazone was observed. The sediments occupied by S. mantis were silty sands and sandy muds. Field observations of S. mantis and other species on the same grounds are presented and some information on burrow density is given, derived from burrow counts using underwater television. Burrowing behaviour is described from observations of animals transferred to laboratory aquaria.