Cyclicity
The Big Picture 
The mating process occurs only when the female go through a stage called ecdysis or molting. Within 12 hours following this process mating occurs. Male ecdysis usually takes place 9 days after the female ecdysis. During the 6 hours following mating but usually a few minutes after copulation egg spawning occur and the eggs are glued to the female pleopod and brooded. Approximately three weeks after spawning the larvae hatch. 72 hours post hatchling, the female undergoes ecdysis. The cycle can either continue if mating occurs or not if no mate are found. |