THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BLUE CRAB (CALLINECTES 



SAPIDUS). 



By W. P. Hay, M. S., 



Professor of Biology, Hoirard University. 



The following- report embodies tlie results of two summers' work 

 (1902 and 1903) in the crab-producing region bordering Chesapeake 

 Ba}''. The information was gathered incidentally in connection with a 

 thorough stud}' of the diamond-back terrapin, and on that account is 

 b}^ no means as complete as could be desired. Many of the theories 

 advanced by the fishermen and packers regarding the blue crab have 

 not 5'et been subjected to close examination, although every oppor- 

 tunity has been taken for this purpose. In some cases the reports 

 secured were so contradictory that it is not deemed safe to express an 

 opinion concerning them. Quite a number of facts, however, have 

 been brought to light, and they are here presented in the hope that 

 they may prove valuable to those engaged in the fisher}^ or to those 

 whose duty it is to secure the enactment of laws to regulate and 

 prolong it. 



The fishermen and crab packers throughout the region gave most 

 cordial cooperation to the investigations. Special thanks are due to 

 Messrs. Tull & Co., Tawes & Riggins, and Christy Brothers, of Cris- 

 field, Md., and to Messrs. McMenarain & Co., of Hampton, Va., all 

 of whom rendered valuable assistance by supplying material or 

 information. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CALLINECTES SAPIDl'S RATIIBUN. 



Lupa hastata Bosc, Histoire Xaturelle des Crustaces, Vol. I, pp. 212-214, 1801-1802. 



Say, An- Account of the Crustacea of the United States, Journal 



Academy Natural Sciences Philadelphia, Vol. I, 1817, p. 65. (Not 



L hastata Desmarest, 1823, nor Milne-Edwards, 1884. ) 



Lupa dicantlia De Kay, Natural History New York, Zoology, part vi, Crustacea, p. 



10, pi. Ill, fig. 3, 1844. 



Lucas, Annales Societe Entomologique de France (2), T. II, IX, pi. i, 



fig. 1. 



397 



