Induction of outgrowths at wounds on the cheliped of Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda : Cambaridae)

One or two wounds were made on the first cheliped of the crayfish Procambar us clarkii at a right angle from the outer lateral edge to the middle of th e width of the propodus. The proximal and distal faces of the wound were ke pt separate with a piece of plastic. A pair of outgrowths developed on 2 of 23 chelipeds on which 1 wound was made. The outgrowths were fused at the b ase, but were separated distally. On 2 of 13 chelipeds on which 2 wounds we re made, an outgrowth developed from each wound. On one of these chelipeds, a pair of outgrowths developed at each wound site, and each pair was fused at the base. On the other cheliped, a single outgrowth developed at each w ound site. Other chelipeds with or without a piece of plastic healed normal ly.