Arthropods (Dec 2019)
Walking leg regeneration observed in three families and four species of antarctic sea spiders
Abstract
Observations of wound healing and regeneration of walking legs in specimens of Nymphon australe Hodgson, 1902, Nymphon charcoti Bouvier, 1911, Colssendeis tortipalpus Gordon, 1932 and Pentapycnon charcoti Bouvier 1910 archived in the U. S. National Museum of Natural History collections is reported. One hundred and ninety-four specimens of N. australe were analyzed for evidence of regeneration. Blastema formation and or regenerated limbs of reduced size were found in 64 individuals, 38%. Forty-four specimens of N. charcoti were analyzed for evidence of regeneration. A blastema and/or regenerated limbs of reduced size were found in 12 individuals, 27%. Fifteen specimens of Colssendeis tortipalpus were analyzed for evidence of regeneration. Five individuals, 33%, had either a fully regenerated walking leg of reduced size or a blastema was present. Ten individuals of Pentapycnon charcoti were analyzed for evidence of regeneration. None of these animals showed signs of regeneration. The Preferred Breaking Point (PBP), position of autotomy, was between coxa 1 and coxa 2. Regenerated limbs having all segments, but of reduced size were found in 5 specimens. In some cases, more than one walking legs had been regenerated or were in the process of regenerating as indicated by the presence of a blastema. A blastema formed on the end of the first segment of the chelophore was observed in a single specimen of N. australe. A blastema which was formed at the end of the second segment of the ovigerous appendage of C. tortipalpus was also observed.
