Observations in vivo on the breeding of Elminius modestus grown on glass slides

Abstract

SUMMARYA more complete study of reproductive behaviour is possible where observations can be made on individuals. This is especially so in a population where each individual has a succession of breeding cycles which are not synchronous with those of other individuals. Continuous records of the breeding of individual barnacles is possible in species which have a membranous base. Individuals may be grown on glass slides and the reproductive condition determined by observations through the base.Reproduction in Elminius modestus takes the form of a succession of breeding cycles or broods, each cycle being initiated by copulation, oviposition and fertilization of the eggs in the mantle cavity. Here the eggs develop, and embryos are eventually liberated through the opercular valves.The time interval occupied by a brood varies both among individuals and with the season of the year. The time of development of the embryos appears to be a function of temperature alone, but the regeneration of the ovary depends upon the nutrition and food supply. When the ovary regenerates rapidly, as in the period of rising temperature, viz. in spring and early summer, another fertilization follows closely upon liberation, but in autumn and winter the ovary may not mature for some time after liberation, with the result that a large proportion of the population do not contain egg masses. In spring and summer the fecundity is probably limited by the rate of development of the embryos; in autumn and winter by nutrition.There is a slight tendency for eggs to remain in the mantle cavity for a longer period during the falling temperatures of autumn and winter than at corresponding rising temperatures in spring and summer.