Raptorial appendage regeneration

[Gonodactylus]

One of my large male lysiosquillid stomatopods (Lysiosquillina lisa) lost its raptorial appendages during a molt (common occurrence). Attached is a jpeg of the next two molts along with the original propodus and dactyl on the left. Molting is accelerated (about every 2 months) when both raptorial appendages are lost. It amazes me how they can squeeze so much into so little space. The next molt the appendage will be fully functional.

Roy


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/5463L_lisa_regenerated_rapt_small-med.jpg

[Koshmar]

Fascinating. As always thank you for your photos and information Dr. Caldwell.
These raptorial appendages, are they made out of the same calcium bicarbinate material as the rest of the exoskeleton, or are there other mineral additions to make them more durable?

[Gonodactylus]

It appears to be your basic cuticle, but other labs are working on this and report that there may be some differences. I suspect we will hear more about this in the next year or so.

Roy

[Guygettnby]

great pics! its very cool to see how they progress thru molts. it is cool that you actually got to collect those from the molts. thanks for sharing the pictures with the rest of us mantis geeks :lol:

[justinl]

thanks for sharing Dr. Roy; always a treat. on the inner side of the propodus, are those fine serations or hairy bits? I've seen spines on that side, but I don't recall seeing fine serations like that in any of the spearers I've seen (not that ive seen many extended spearer rapts)

[Mentat]

An LFS has a 4 in. nicely colored Peacock I was looking at, but noted it has no raptors. Been like that for a couple months in a 30 breeder they keep Chaeto, macros, and invertebrates he won't eat. Either has not molted in a long time, or someone has pulled out raptors to prevent damage to other stuff in tank (cruel but possible).

What are chances raptors will be replaced in future molts if I "rescue" this one. Thanks for your time Dr. Roy!

PS: Another LFS has a complete Peacock available, colors are a bit duller though and no rescue is involved.

[Gonodactylus]

You would be in for a long haul. To regrow the raptorial appendages will take 3-4 molts and 6-8 months. Without a good burrow and a supply of soft food, this animal is unlikely to molt.

Roy

[Mentat]

Thanks for quick response Dr. Roy. Wish every section in this forum had a team exhibiting same brotherhood and was academically led by a true expert in the field. Every post you write teaches and motivates us to learn and love our Mantis more. Please remember this when time is short, we care for and appreciate your help a lot.

[schudini]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15097245#post15097245 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mentat
Thanks for quick response Dr. Roy. Wish every section in this forum had a team exhibiting same brotherhood and was academically led by a true expert in the field. Every post you write teaches and motivates us to learn and love our Mantis more. Please remember this when time is short, we care for and appreciate your help a lot.

Well said.

+1

[cobaltplasma]

That dactyl is almost as large as my P.ciliata o_O ... Speaking of which Dr. Caldwell, my P.ciliata recently lost her left dactyl in what I think was a scuffle with a crab in her aquarium (removing him this weekend I think, the crab that is). Approximately how long would it take to regenerate just the dactyl if she's about 3" or 3.5" in length? She just molted a couple weeks ago so I figure it's at least 2-3 more till she molts again.

And as many have said in this thread and others, your input and presence is very much appreciated here :D

[Mentat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15097172#post15097172 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gonodactylus
You would be in for a long haul. To regrow the raptorial appendages will take 3-4 molts and 6-8 months. Without a good burrow and a supply of soft food, this animal is unlikely to molt.
Roy
Went by LFS yesterday and the Peacock had molted. Got two little cream colored raptors now, about a 1/3 of normal size for a 4 in. Mantis. Wonder what genetic triggers work together to regenerate lost limbs and how it happens. Incredible creatures Mantis are.