Larval and early juvenile development of the tube-dwelling hermit crab Discorsopagurus schmitti (Stevens) (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae) reared in the laboratory.

Larval, megalopal, and early juvenile development in the tube-dwelling hermit crab Discor- sopagurus schmitti (Stevens) is described and illustrated. To address the hypothesis that microhabitats ("housing") directly affect morphology in hermit crabs,juvenile stages of this species were subjected to 2 different microhabitats,i.e.,coiled gastropod shells and straight worm tubes,as well as to deprivation of shelter entirely. The results indicate that while microhabitats influence uropod orientation, the uropod symmetry and pleopod asymmetry in this species are independent phenomena.