Male cypris settlement and its effects on juvenile development in Lernaeodiscus porcellanae Müller (Crustacea : Cirripedia : Rhizocephala)

Abstract

The development of juvenile externae of Lernaeodiscus porcellanae Müller parasitizing the porcellanid crab Petrolisthes cabrilloi Glasell was studied from their first emergence from the host to release of the first brood. The presence of males is a necessary prerequisite to growth and reproduction of the female externa, but the virgin externa stays attractive to males and may resume growth upon male settlement after as long as six months wait. The recently emerged virgin externa becomes attractive to male cypris larvae as soon as it acquires a mantle aperture.