Morphology and histology of the female reproductive system of the mangrove land crab, Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Brachyura: Ocypodidae)

This study provides a detailed description of the macro- and microscopic anatomy of the female reproductive system of the mangrove land crab, Ucides cordatus. A total of 277 females were collected between October 1998 and September 1999 in mangroves of the Victoria Bay, State of Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil. The reproductive system of this species is composed of two ovaries united together by a bridge, present in the form of an H when viewed dorsally, and two seminal receptacles. Histological analysis revealed the following six stages of oocyte development: I. young germ cells (oogonias);...