LIMB LOSS AND THE MOLT CYCLE IN THE FRESHWATER SHRIMP, PALAEMONETES KADIAKENSIS

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45431

1. The loss of four walking legs induces molting in the freshwater shrimp, Palaemonetes kadiakensis. This study shows that at least in one species of Natantia, excessive limb loss accelerates the molting process as has been shown in several reptantian species.

2. Removal of four appendages (two pairs of walking legs) during the four major stages of the molt cycle, A, B, C and D, produced varying results. When the appendages were removed during stage A or stage B of the intermolt cycle, the first molt following limb loss was accelerated. When limbs were removed during stage C of the molt cycle, two successive molts following limb loss were accelerated. Finally, when limb removal occurred during stage D of the intermolt cycle, the first postoperative molt was not affected, but the second postoperative intermolt cycle was shortened significantly.

3. The sex of the organism did not affect the response to the loss of numerous appendages.

4. Mortality rates due to the loss of four walking legs were negligible.

5. A hypothesis was proposed to explain this molt-accelerating effect of limb loss.

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