Photoperiodic and Ecdysial Control of Vitellogenesis in Lobsters (Homarus) (Decapoda, Nephropidae)

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Abstract
The timing of molts and of subsequent egg extrusion by female American lobsters (H. americanus) in the laboratory under near-ambient conditions at Bodega Bay [California, USA] suggested that final vitellogenesis was initiated only during the months between the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. In an experiment, the change from short-day (LD 8:16) [L = light, D = dark] to long-day (LD 16:8) photoperiod (long-day onset, LDO) began a 120-d [day] period during which vitellogenesis could be initiated. Molting within this 120-d period was associated with a delay of as much as 80 d in the time of subsequent extrusion.