Dwarf Males of Octolasmis warwickii (Cirripedia: Thoracica): The First Example of Coexistence of Males and Hermaphrodites in the Suborder Lepadomorpha

In the lepadomorph barnacle Octolasmis warwickii, individuals are often found attached to the scutum of conspecifics living externally on the crab hosts. To test whether these conspecific-attached individuals are dwarf males, as are known to occur in other suborders of barnacles, we compared the pattern of attachment, size-frequency distribution, and reproductive status of the conspecific-attached (Con-A) and crab-attached (Crab-A) individuals. Con-As were smaller than Crab-As. There was a positive relationship between the body size of Crab-As and the number of individuals on them. Con-As had longer penises than Crab-As of the same body size, and their testes were better developed. The four largest Con-As examined were brooding eggs. These results indicate that Con-As of O. warwickii are dwarf males, with a potential to become hermaphroditic. This represents the first known example of coexistence of males and hermaphrodites in the suborder Lepadomorpha. The mating group size of O. warwickii was smaller than in its hermaphroditic congeners but larger than in barnacles with dwarf males and females, which supports the current theories that group size is important for the evolution of sexuality patterns in barnacles.