Lateralization of the paired claws into a major crusher and a minor cutter type is determined during the 4th and 5th stages of juvenile development of the lobster, Homarus americanus. Loss of both claws during this critical period delays the determination of laterality until the 6th stage when regenerate claws are present. Continued loss into the 6th stage, and beyond, however, suppresses laterality, resulting in lobsters with paired cutter claws.

The critical period for determining claw laterality may therefore be extended for a brief time to cater for claw loss, which is especially common in these early juvenile stages.

Keywords:
development, critical period, claw literality, lobster
© 1989 by Company of Biologists
1989
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