Jump to content

How does leg regeneration work?


Keith

Recommended Posts

It's a lot easier to see in hermit crabs who have lost entire limbs.

This: http://i86.photobuck...ne.jpg~original

Became miniature gelly limbs in one week: http://i86.photobuck...bs.jpg~original

And in another week they were fully formed legs complete with hard exoskeleton: http://i86.photobuck...aw.jpg~original

After having hermits, regeneration is just another day in the molting tank. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's a lot easier to see in hermit crabs who have lost entire limbs.

This: http://i86.photobuck...ne.jpg~original

Became miniature gelly limbs in one week: http://i86.photobuck...bs.jpg~original

And in another week they were fully formed legs complete with hard exoskeleton: http://i86.photobuck...aw.jpg~original

After having hermits, regeneration is just another day in the molting tank. ;)

It molted each week, that's bizarre!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They can actually grow a missing limb into the gelly stage without molting. She only molted once at the end which is when she developed normal (albeit spindly and poorly working) legs. Whatever it is that triggers the exoskelton to fully form and harden around the new gelly limb(s) has to be triggered by a full molt.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...