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A Functional Caudal Photoreceptor in Blind Cavernicolous Crayfish

Nature volume 210, pages 204–205 (1966)Cite this article

Abstract

SEVERAL decapod crustaceans, particularly the crayfish, possess a primitive photoreceptor in their caudal ganglion1 consisting of only two neurones2. An axon courses from each of the cells rostrally along the connectives in Wiersma's3,4 area 83–84 (ref. 2). Discharge of the receptor is characterized by a relatively long latency which is inversely related to the stimulus intensity, and by a prolonged after-discharge. Stimulation of the receptor in intact animals initiates pereiopod movements and locomotion5. A model of the neuronal system which may account for this phenomenon has been suggested6.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas

    JAMES L. LARIMER

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  1. JAMES L. LARIMER
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LARIMER, J. A Functional Caudal Photoreceptor in Blind Cavernicolous Crayfish. Nature 210, 204–205 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/210204b0

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