Moult staging in the Australian freshwater crayfish, Cherax albidus Clark and Cherax destructor Clark (Decapoda : Parastacidae), via uropod setal development

Abstract

Changes in integument state and morphology of uropod setae have been used as an index of moult stage for division of the moult cycle in C. albidus. Comparative observations have also been made on C. destructor. The relative duration of substages of the moult cycle has been determined in the laboratory at 18ºC. The applicability of the state of uropod setae as an index of moult stage in Australian parastacids is discussed.