Table 1 Summary of mating tactics and size and complexity of male and female reproductive systems of the four brachyuran species studied.
From: Influence of mating strategies on seminal material investment in crabs
Species (family) | Mating period | Mate guarding | Sperm plug | Sperm storage pattern | Vas deferens | Seminal receptacle | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Homalaspis plana (Platyxanthidae) | Autumn | Not present | Present | Large sperm plug, without stratification | Large, complex | Large, very extensible | 26, LMP (pers. observation) |
Romaleon setosum (Cancridae) | Spring and summer | Present | Present | * | Large, complex | Large | |
Metacarcinus edwardsii (Cancridae) | Spring and summer | Present, prolonged | Present | Clear stratification (sperm gel) | Small, simple | Small, simple | |
Taliepus dentatus (Epialtidae) | Year-round | Present, brief | Absent | * | Small, simple | Medium, complex |
