Image captured by VENUS camera in Saanich Inlet in mid June. Dungeness crab mating is a complex affair. The male holds the female for days “stroking” her until she molts – a process that he assists. The sperm package is delivered under the abdominal flap of the female where the eggs are extruded and fertilizes. She then incubates the eggs until they hatch. The male has long since disappeared to seek more partners.