Wittmann 1982
Wittmann 1982
WITTMANN, K. J., 1982: Untersuchungen zur Sexualbiologie einer mediterranen Mysidacee (Crustacea), Leptomysis lingvura G. O. SARS. Zoologischer Anzeiger, 209: 362-375.
Females of the marine mysidacean Leptomysis lingvura, ready to copulate, exude a sexual attractant which is perceived by the males and causes intensive searching behaviour. The pheromone is shortlived (about 2 min at 22 °C).
The whole procedure of copulation takes about one second or less where a spermatophore is introduced into the marsupium. The marsupial plates bear a special kind of setae with an armature of small spinules which work as a device for acceptance and fixation of spermatophores. These features of the marsupium are also present in Siriella jaltensis Czerniavsky, Anchialina agilis (G. O. Sars), and Hemimysis lamornae (Couch). After having copulated once or twice, the female probably does not respond properly to further mating partners so that the spermatophores are fixed outside the brood pouch.
The spermatophore is the first reported for the order Mysidacea. It consists of a soft tube-like membrane containing thousands of whip-like sperm cells. Fertilization proceeds in the marsupium following oviposition. A new transfer of sperm is necessary for each subsequent clutch of eggs.
The diurnal rhythm of release of young, of ecdysis, of mating, and of egg laying was observed in nature and corresponds to results obtained in the laboratory. The release of fully developed young starts shortly before sunset; this is followed by moulting and mating. The eggs are laid from one to six hours after sunset.
Mediterranean; sexual biology; marine; autecology; development; behaviour; reproduction; physiology
Anchialina agilis; Anemonia sulcata; Hemimysis lamornae; Leptomysis lingvura; Siriella jaltensis