Abstract
1. 1. Echalier's demonstration of the role of the Y-organ in decapod molting has been confirmed in another brachyuran family with the marsh crab, Sesarma reticulatum (Say), Fam. Grapsidae. 2. 2. Limb regeneration is shown to consist of two phases: basal limb growth which is independent of Y-organ molting hormone, and premolt growth which is molting hormone dependent. 3. 3. If basal limb growth is blocked by low temperatures (10°C), subsequent leg regeneration at higher temperatures is less than in animals tested entirely at higher temperatures. 4. 4. Rises in oxygen consumption following feeding and bilateral eyestalk extirpation are shown to be independent of the Y-organs. 5. 5. Juvenile shore crabs ( Carcinus maenas), in diecdysis, are shown to have the same endocrine control of molting as found in other brachyurans. 6. 6. Under constant illumination juvenile female crabs which molt after receiving implants of activated Y-organs show less increase in size (due to reduced water uptake) than do normally molting controls. 7. 7. It is postulated that Y-organ molting hormone mediates the cellular duplication and growth of certain organized tissues in initiating proecdysis.
Published Version
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