SOME FACTORS CONTROLLING REPRODUCTION IN THE SPIDER CRAB, LIBINIA EMARGINATA

¹ Institute for Molecular and Cellular Evolution and Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 and Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543

1. Carapace length is not sufficient for determining state of sexual maturation of female Libinia. Females in range of 4-6 cm carapace length may be mature or immature. Shape of the abdomen distinguishes between mature and immature females.

2. Eyesalk ablation of mature female Libinia results in extended periods of or initiation of the ovigerous state but does not appear to initiate molting. Breeding behavior and reproductve cycles seem unaltered by destalking.

3. Immature female Libinia which have had their eyestalks removed molt precociously but rarely to maturity.

4. Libinia apparently undergo a terminal molt to maturity. Ovarian development and vitellogenesis occur only in mature females.

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