There is merit to this hypothesis, Paul.  It could be a cohort hatching
later in the season, not having time to fully mature, surviving the
"winter" as subadults, and then benefitting from yet another growing season.

Or it could be a case of real gigantism...perhaps caused by an infestation
of some trematode or something in the gonads....There is some literature on
that in other organisms....

Kurt

Mr. Kurt Auffenberg
Senior Biological Scientist
Exhibits & Public Programs
University of Florida
Hull Road & SW 34th Street
Powell Hall, P.O. Box 112710
Gainesville, Florida 32611-2710

Telephone: 352-846-2000, ext. 253
Fax:  352-846-0253