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Summary
An account is given of the anatomy and histology of the vas deferens and of spermatophore development. The vas deferens differs from that of other pagurids except P. timidus in having only one of the usual two opposed coils/spirals between which fragmentation of the continuous sperm sheath into discrete capsules occurs. The functions of these two regions occur within the single coil in P. novae-zealandiae, including capsule formation which is a result of muscular activity rather than of change in curvature of the vas deferens. Functional regions of the vas deferens are compared with those known for other members of the genus. Spermatophores are released in groups of 2–14 attached to a common pedestal. Each spermatophore has the capsule sheath elongated basally to form a stalk elevating it above the pedestal and is regarded as pedunculate. This condition is discussed in relation to other hermit crabs.
