Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 May 2009
The structure of the fifth pair of pleopods, modified as secondary sexual characters, in male Euchaeta norvegica is described in detail. The pleopods are biramous. The right pleopod, of relatively simple structure, is used solely to grasp the urosome of the female during transfer and placement of the spermatophore. The left pleopod is complex in form and is used to grasp the spermatophore as it is extruded from the ductus ejaculatorius. The method of grasping the spermatophore is described. The optimal mating position is deduced from the structure and functioning of the pleopods.