Pheromone communication in the reproductive behavior of the blue crab,Callinectes sapidus†

Behavioral studies indicate the presence of a pheromone in the urine of pre‐ and post‐pubertal molt females of Callinectes sapidus which releases courtship behavior in mature males. Ablation experiments suggest that males detect the chemical signal primarily via chemoreceptors on the outer flagella of the antennules (first antennae). Relative to other sensory information, the pheromone of pubertal females is of key importance in initiating the male's courtship behavior.