The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, which uses the copper-dependent protein haemocyanin for oxygen transport, lacks the ubiquitous cytosolic copper-dependent enzyme copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD) as evidenced by undetectable levels of Cu,ZnSOD activity, protein and mRNA in the hepatopancreas (the site of haemocyanin synthesis) and gills. Instead, the crab has an unusual cytosolic m...

BACKGROUND The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor is an intracellular calcium channel that couples cell membrane receptors, via the second messenger IP3, to calcium signal transduction pathways within many types of cells. IP3 receptor function has been implicated in development, but the physiological processes affected by its function have yet to be elucidated. In order to identify the...

From apolysis until pupal ecdysis, the pharate pupa of the Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius) lies wrapped in a prepupal shell composed of the larval cuticle and an ecdysial space (ES) filled with enzyme-rich moulting fluid (MF). In the 4h before ecdysis the pharate pupa drinks the moulting fluid through its mouth and anus, and transfers the cuticular degradation products to its midgut (MG). ...

In insects, continuous growth requires the periodic replacement of the exoskeleton during the moult. A moulting insect displays a stereotypical set of behaviours that culminate in the shedding of the old cuticle at ecdysis. Moulting is an intricate process requiring tightly regulated physiological changes and behaviours to allow integration of environmental cues and to ensure the proper timing ...

moulting and is unable to attack. However, if a male encounters a mature female, he may court her and if the female accepts, the male inserts the first palp. He then has to withdraw, re-court and insert the second palp. But in this situation the female can attack at any time. The researchers therefore looked at the fate of males under both mating strategies in natural populations, in caged stud...

Abstract The reproduction of bopyrid isopod parasites is thought to occur immediately following host ecdysis, but direct observations supporting this hypothesis are limited. aim study was describe the reproductive behaviour Bopyrus crangorum relative ecdysis based on video recordings. Several hours after biphasic moulting female observed. cuticle posterior body shed before that anterior at an i...