Role of ecdysone and eyestalk factors in regulating regeneration in larval crustaceans.

Megalopae of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii can regenerate autotomized limbs. Regeneration during the megalopal stage required a significant delay in ecdysis to the first crab. Megalopae that failed to initiate regeneration complete ecdysis significantly faster than do controls.

Identification of the Y-organ in the larval stages of the crab, Cancer anthonyi Rathbun.

The Y-organ has been histologically identified in all six larval stages of the crab, Cancer anthonyi. The paired glands are located anterior to the branchial chamber and ventral to the base of the antennules. In the first zoeal stage the gland consists of a cord of 6 to 10 epidermal cells with dark staining nuclei, sparse cytoplasm, and indistinct cell boundaries.