Regulation of crustacean morphogenesis in larvae of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii

Abstract

AbstractStarvation of penultimate stage brachyuran larvae within 15 hours after ecdysis results in the suspension of the molt cycle in the early premolt stages. This suspension can be maintained for up to 7 days. Using this as a tool to extend the duration of the penultimate zoeal stage, it was possible to demonstrate that crustacean morphogenesis is at least partially regulated by a time‐dependent process which is independent of the number of larval instars.