Functional anatomy of the female reproductive systems of two spider crabs (Decapoda, Majoidea)

Abstract

To better understand the mating systems of majoid crabs, we studied the functional anatomy of the female reproductive systems of the spider crabs Leurocyclus tuberculosus and Libinia spinosa, comparing them with those of other Majoidea. Adult females were measured and dissected, and their reproductive systems described macroscopically and histologically. In females of both species, the seminal receptacles are paired globular structures of ecto-mesodermal origin. The mesoderm-derived region is lined by a stratified epithelium. The anchoring, proliferative, and secretory strata are clearly recognizable. The ectodermderived region is lined by a simple cylindrical epithelium underlying a cuticle that increases in thickness toward the vagina. The transition between the ectoderm and mesoderm-derived regions is abrupt, with differences between the studied species: Li. spinosa has a “velum,” whereas Le. tuberculosus presents prominent “folds.” In both species, the position in which the oviduct is connected to the seminal receptacles is intermediate between the dorsal and ventral types previously described in other eubrachyurans. The seminal receptacles of the studied species show four different conditions, which can be distinguished macroscopically based on their shape and amount of sperm stored. We compare our data with those from other Majoidea in an attempt to determine whether the morphology of the seminal receptacles is related to different mating strategies or behaviors.