Developmental changes in the structure and function of mouthparts of phyllosoma larvae of the packhorse lobster, Jasus verreauxi (Decapoda: Palinuridae)

Mouthpart morphology and feeding behaviour of Jasus verreauxi phyllosomas (instars 1-13) were examined using scanning electron microscopy and video analysis, respectively, to better understand ingestion and processing mechanisms and to identify developmental changes in feeding biology. The density, robustness and complexity of mouthpart setation increased with development, oral field increased and there were a greater number of spinose projections on maxillae 1 in mid and late instar phyllosomas. The second and third maxillipeds were able to sweep a larger area due to their increased length, which effectively increased the size of the oral field. Changes in feeding behaviour were consistent with these morphological differences between instars. In late instars, the shredding and tearing efficiency of maxillae 1 increased, larger pieces of prey were pushed between the mandibles, and the mandibles were able to effectively grind food due to a slight rotation away from the transverse plane. Both morphological and behavioural observations suggests that the absolute size range of prey increases with phyllosoma body size and the prey processing (i.e. ability to capture, manipulate and grind prey) becomes more efficient with development. We suggest early instar phyllosoma are most suited to a diet comprising softer prey items, whereas later-instar phyllosoma are better equipped to deal with larger, fleshier prey. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.