How does leg regeneration work?

[Keith]

Have a Hisser that was missing a back leg, had a small nub only. It shed and now has a new, almost full length leg. How does a new, longer leg develop inside what was a tiny stub, it makes no sense but its amazing!

 

[Forcep]

Arthropods are amazing. Once I've seen a post about a 3-legged tarantula grew all her legs back in a single molt.

 

[wodesorel]

It's a lot easier to see in hermit crabs who have lost entire limbs.

This: http://i86.photobuck...ne.jpg~original

Became miniature gelly limbs in one week: http://i86.photobuck...bs.jpg~original

And in another week they were fully formed legs complete with hard exoskeleton: http://i86.photobuck...aw.jpg~original

After having hermits, regeneration is just another day in the molting tank.

 

[Keith]

It's a lot easier to see in hermit crabs who have lost entire limbs.

This: http://i86.photobuck...ne.jpg~original

Became miniature gelly limbs in one week: http://i86.photobuck...bs.jpg~original

And in another week they were fully formed legs complete with hard exoskeleton: http://i86.photobuck...aw.jpg~original

After having hermits, regeneration is just another day in the molting tank.

It molted each week, that's bizarre!

 

[wodesorel]

They can actually grow a missing limb into the gelly stage without molting. She only molted once at the end which is when she developed normal (albeit spindly and poorly working) legs. Whatever it is that triggers the exoskelton to fully form and harden around the new gelly limb(s) has to be triggered by a full molt.

 

[Tongue Flicker]

If you have well-fed roaches under ideal conditions then leg regenation would be much faster

 

[Wolfie]

Sorcery. It's the only explanation.