Various aspects of maturation in male IIlex illecebrosus were examined in an attempt to find evidence for a more realistic maturity scale than that currently in use. Simple indices, based on morphology of the hectocotylized arm, failed to provide satisfactory relationships, but the observed variation in hectocotylus measurements may provide useful insights into the population ecology of the species. The earlier maturation of males than females and the observed premature release of spermatophores cast doubt on the usefulness of spermatophore counts as the basis for developing a reliable maturity scale for male I. illecebrosus. Preliminary examination of spermatophores and spermatozoa with lighl and scanning electron microscopes have so far failed to reveal any difference between material from early and late "mature" males
