On the Position of Genital Pores in a Sea Spider, Austrodecus tubiferum (Pycnogonida, Austrodecidae)

Abstract

The so-called genital pores of both females and males in a pycnogonid, Austrodecus tubiferum are observed by scanning electron microscopy. The position of the male genital pore of this species has been previously described as being in a different location than the pores of most other pycnogonids, but the present observation demonstrates that the previously described "male genital pore" is just a subcuticular structure, and the actual male genital pores in this species are located in the normal position, on the ventral surface of the second coxal segment. Female genital pores are located also in the normal position.