Pycnogonum

Figure 53.Pycnogonidae; A, B: Pycnogonum nodulosum, female, dorsal view; scales 1 mm and 500 µm, respectively; C, D: Pycnogonum (Retroviger) pusillum, male, dorsal and ventral view, respectively; scales 250 µm.

This pair of individuals, which includes the individual shown at the top of the page, were both on the same anenome. Though I did not check thoroughly, I did not see ovigerous legs on either individual suggesting they are both female.

Pycnogonum stearnsi from Little Corona del Mar, CA. Total leg span about 1 cm. Animal was in a tidepool next to the base of an Anthopleura sola anemone. The head with its large proboscis is facing left (there is a bubble at the tip of the proboscis) (Photo by: Dave Cowles, November 2006)

Figure 54.Pycnogonum nodulosum, female; A: Dorsal view; scale 1 mm; B: Dorsal view of trunk with protuberances on dorsal midline; scale 1 mm; C: Lateral view of trunk; scale 1 mm; D: Left 3rd leg with protuberances on femur; scale 400 µm; insert: Dorsal view of protuberances on femur; scale 200 µm; E: Tarsus, propodus, and claw without auxiliary claws (left 3rd leg); scale 100 µm; insert: Spines on propodus; scale 20 µm; F: Hair and slit organ on dorsal side of trunk; scale 5 µm.

Figure 53.Pycnogonidae; A, B: Pycnogonum nodulosum, female, dorsal view; scales 1 mm and 500 µm, respectively; C, D: Pycnogonum (Retroviger) pusillum, male, dorsal and ventral view, respectively; scales 250 µm.

Figure 55.Pycnogonum (Retroviger) pusillum, male; A: Dorsal view; scale 400 µm; B: Dorsal view of proboscis; scale 100 µm; C: Right 3rd leg; scale 100 µm; D: Tarsus, propodus, and claw without auxiliary claws (right 3rd leg); scale 40 µm; E: Abdomen; scale 100 µm; F: Protuberance, scattered over trunk and legs; scale 5 µm.