Studies of the first and second maxillipeds of the fiddler crab, Uca lactea

Abstract

The number of setae on the merus of the first and second maxillipeds of the fiddler crab, Uca lactea (De Haan, 1835), was examined. The whole outer face of the first maxilliped is covered with numerous arrow-headed, slender setae. On the inner side of the second maxillipeds there are two kinds of spoontipped setae; short- and long-stalked. Adjacent to these, plumose setae grow on the proximal region. There were no statistically significant sexual differences in the number of setae on the first and the second maxillipeds by the sex. Also, no differences were found in the length and width of the two maxillipeds by sex. Male and female U. lactea are equipped with mouthparts that have the same size and func tion.