Premating and Mating Behavior of the Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister Dana)

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Snow, C. D. and J. R. Neilsen

Publish Date: 1966

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Cedric Cooney

Job Position: Natural Resources Data and Systems Manager

Telephone: 503-947-6094

E-Mail Address: Cedric.X.Cooney@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: A male and female Dungeness crab (Cancer magister Dana) were kept under continuous observation in an aquarium to observe the premating embrace, female ecdysis, and mating. The male held the female in premating embrace from June 10 until June 18, 1965, when she molted. The male allowed the female to reverse her position from the premating embrace, sternum to sternum, to that of female carapace to male sternum only after she became aggressive. The male never allowed the female to escape from his control while she molted. Copulation occurred 1 hr and 32 min after female ecdysis, when the new exoskeleton had firmed somewhat, and the male carried the female in a postmating embrace for 2 days. Extensive wear on the chelipeds of male crabs may reflect prolonged periods in the premating embrace and stroking of the female by the male rather than matings with several females. The male crab probably becomes aware of the female's readiness to molt by her aggressive pinching of maxillae and eyestalks.

Purpose:

Time Period of Content:

Geographic Extent: Not Available

Status: Final

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Format: PDF file

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No data information was supplied.

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Attributes Description: Not yet described

Bibliography Information

Field Name	Value
Biblio ID	8484
Year	1966
Publisher
Request Type	Report
Location	Salem HQ
Date Created	Jan 1966
Date Cataloged	8/3/05
Date Published	1966
Type	stp spine
Pages	p1319-1323
Volume
Status	2
Descriptor	Dungeness crab; mating behavior
Date Entered	2005-08-03 13:56:02
Location In Clackamas Library	wildlife/ marine life
Author	C Dale Snow; John R Neilsen
Duplicates	0
Number Remaining After Requests	53
Presumed All Distributed
Back Room Duplicates
Author
Risk
Species
Disposition Of Requests	Tony D'Andrea: Request filled

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Yes