MASCULINIZATION OF THE DITCH SHRIMP PALAEMONETES-VARIANS (LEACH, 1814) - A REEVALUATION USING SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY (DECAPODA, CARIDEA, PALAEMONIDAE)

Masculinization of females of the shrimp Palaemonetes varians was brou ght on by the implantation of one or two androgenic glands. The mascul inization manifested itself after the 5th postoperative moult. Observa tion, by scanning microscope, of the appendix masculina of the operate d females showed that in different individuals it carries a variable n umber of setae of different types. The role of the androgenic hormone in this process is discussed.