OK. So I read as much as I could find on the regeneration of a limb after ecdysis (molt) to try and figure out exactly how it's done.
So if you look at the regular apolysis process (pre-molt) when the separation occurs, the new exoskeleton has been grown by extending the cuticle inward to be separated by the apolysis process.

So my question is, if there is no existing cuticle as is the case with an autotomized limb, where does this new limb grow within the Ts body? Is it in the little stump area (The ring right next to the spot where it was autotomized)?

Thanks for asking that! i have been meaning to ask that exact same question for a while now, but it kept slipping my mind!

:thumbsup:

It grows in the normal position. Because the new exuvium is extremely soft, it would be shaped like the air bag of an Accordion, only "round". Once the old exuvium is discarded, the limb will expand as it is filled with hemolymph. The new limb would be perfect and functional, but most likely a bit smaller than the rest, until it molts again by which time it should be the same size as the rest.

Thanks Scarab.

But if you say normal position, what exactly do you mean? If I understand wikipedia correct, the normal position for an existing leg is on the inside of the exoskeleton (cuticle) which gets extended (that part is soft). In pre-molt, a liquid enzyme splits the outer "shell" of the cuticle (the hard part) from the inner cuticle (soft part).

So will the new limb's cuticle be grown in the normal position where the leg is supposed to be on the edge of the carapace, but compressed into an accordion type pipe shape like you explained?

I feel silly about this now, but whatever: In my minds eye, I imagined this small spider like shape growing inside the T expanding into the legs as time passes until it reaches the exoskeleton in size, by which point the pre-molt stage starts. After researching the process, this is clearly not what happens. Which leaves me to ask where new limbs are grown.

Thanks Fuzzy Bear! when are we going for that "data transfer" ?? :reallysick:
I need your knowledge (or Googling abilities)

You have some sort of slot where I could insert my (memory) stick then George? :ohmy:

I'm not sure I follow correctly, but the limb would develop in exactly the same place as it would under normal circumstances, as a matter of fact, the entire new exuvium develops just "under" the old one. If you get sun burn, the old and damaged skin flakes off once the new cells regenerated and have taken over. Once the new exuvium is ready to take over the duties of the old one, it gets separated from the old one and the spider, or any creature with an exuvium, molts. I have seen many Crayfish during this process, fascinating either way.