RESPONSES FROM A PROPRIOCEPTIVE ORGAN OF THE CRAB SESARMA RETICULATUM, DURING THE MOLT CYCLE

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Abstract
The structure and function of the proprioceptive organ of the propodite-dactylopodite joint of the walking leg of a grapsid crab is described, and shown to be essentially identical to the situation in the previously studied Carcinus. Confirming Wiersma and Boettiger (1959) no vibration receptor function was found. A specially designed dactylopodite mover is described; with it and with a method of counting total output of the nerve bundle from this organ, it was possible to obtain quantitative estimates of the organ output during various stages of ecdysis (initiated by eyestalk removal). There is essentially no change in output between the intermolt condition (stage C4) and the soft post-exuvial crab (stage A2). The significance of this constancy of output, both in terms of organ function and in the sensory input of the animal, is discussed.[long dash]L. M. Passano.

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