Induction of outgrowths at wounds on the cheliped of Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae)

One or two wounds were made on the first cheliped of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii at a right angle from the outer lateral edge to the middle of the width of the propodus. The proximal and distal faces of the wound were kept separate with a piece of plastic. A pair of outgrowths developed on 2 of 23 chelipeds on which 1 wound was made. The outgrowths were fused at the base, but were separated distally. On 2 of 13 chelipeds on which 2 wounds were made, an outgrowth developed from each wound. On one of these chelipeds, a pair of outgrowths developed at each wound site, and each pair was fused at the base. On the other cheliped, a single outgrowth developed at each wound site. Other chelipeds with or without a piece of plastic healed normally.