Reproductive consequences of the terrestrial habit inOrchestia(Crustacea: Amphipoda)

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Abstract
The reproductive bionomics of four species of British littoral Orchestia are compared and contrasted. Three of the marine species studied form a series which occupy successively higher positions on the shore and demonstrate increasing degrees of preadaptation to terrestrial life. The fundamental adaptations of primitive terrestrial Orchestia are: adoption of a cryptozoic habit, and a reduced growth rate and adult body size. As a consequence of slow growth and small body size, the number of eggs/brood and number of broods/year is markedly reduced. Commonly associated adaptations are: female larger than the male, sex ratio bias to the female, and a tendency to endemism.