Reproductive Ecology of an Intertidal Brachyuran Crab, Sesarma sp. (nr. reticulatum), from the Gulf of Mexico

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Abstract
The natural history and reproductive ecology of a presently undescribed marsh crab endemic to the Gulf of Mexico were studied in both the laboratory and the field. Weekly sampling of populations in coastal Louisiana allowed us to determine the periodicity of molting and ovarian development, as well as the seasonal variation in egg laying and size of individual egg masses. Timing of molt, egg laying, and egg hatching were monitored in individual females under simulated tidal cycles in laboratory mesocosms. Peak periods of reproductive activity in Louisiana coincide with favorable temperatures and elevated primary productivity in coastal waters. Size cohort and fecundity differ between these periods. Egg-laying, larval release, and molting observed in individual females in the laboratory and extrapolated dates of egg-laying and larval release for those in field samples exhibit a semilunar influence throughout the season. Female receptivity to mating is tied to egg-laying. Rate of embryonic development was associated with decreases and increases in egg size. Behavior related to larval release is described. Adaptive significance in relation to the intertidal marsh habitat is discussed.

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