Postlarval changes in the external morphology of dactyl setae in the kelp crab, Pugettia producta (randall)

Abstract

AbstractMorphological changes, which include growth, encrustation, and abrasion, occur in the sensory setae and nonsensory denticles located on the dactyls of the walking legs during the postlarval development of the kelp crab, Pugettia producta (Randall). The growth of the denticles is isometric (slope ∼ 1), while the growth of the setae is negatively allometric (slope < 1), relative to the growth of the dactyls. The increase in the sizes of the setae, but not of the denticles, appears to slow before growth stops at maturation, when molting ceases. The most striking morphological changes in the setae occur after maturation. While the setae of all but recently molted juvenile crabs are heavily encrusted by epibionts, the dactyls of most mature crabs are clean, and both the setae and denticles are so abraded that only their bases remain. The consequences of these morphological changes are discussed in relation to the sensory capabilities of a long‐lived, nonmolting majid crab.