design: The whole coelomic fluid (wCF) containing coelomocytes was withdrawn through the peristomal membrane using a sterile 23-gauge needle connected to a 5-mL syringe. The animal was photographed and then returned to its habitat at the collection site (Fig. 1). Duplicate sample tubes (containing 1 mL each) were held on ice during transport to the University of Puerto Rico Mayagez (UPRM). Next, the tubes were centrifuged to pellet the coelomocytes, and the cell free fluid was removed from the pellet which was replaced with RNAlater solution (Invitrogen) to amply cover each pellet. Samples were stored frozen before shipment on ice packs to Oakland University (OU), Rochester MI followed by frozen storage.