Androgenic Gland and Secondary Sexual Characters in the Crayfish Procambarus Clarkii

Abstract

Reversed spines are present on the third and fourth walking legs of adult males of Procambarus clarkii. The spines appear to be indispensable for normal mating. The presence of these spines is dependent upon the presence of the androgenic gland hormone. Ultrastructural observations on the androgenic glands as well as physiological experiments support this conclusion.