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Journal of Experimental Biology 94,169-187 (1981)
Published by Company of Biologists 1981

Homologies Between Neuromuscular Systems Serving Different Functions in two Decapods of Different Families

DOROTHY HAYMAN PAUL ¹

¹ Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA; Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C. V8W 2Y2.

Evidence is provided for homologies between specific parts of the tailfan neuromusculatures in two sand crabs, Emerita analoga (family Hippidae) and Blepharipoda occidentals (family Albuneidae). The gross anatomy of the tailfan, particularly of the telson, is very different in the two species, the biggest difference being the absence in Blepharipoda of a power-stroke muscle which in Emerita constitutes 50% by wet weight of the telson musculature. Homologies between motoneurones innervating telson muscles in the two crabs are established based on comparisons of their positions and central morphology. The derivation of the sand crab telson muscles and their innervation from neuromusculature in an ancestral macruran is proposed.