The cuticle of a eurypterid

Abstract

Dslingwater J. E.: The cuticle of a eurypterid. A description is given of the cuticular ultrastructure of Pterygotus (Pterygotus) ludensis Salter, 1859 from the ‘Passage Beds’ at Ludlow, Shropshire, England. Scanning electron microscope investigations revealed laminar units composed of fibrous elements, and fine perpendicular structures. The laminae resemble those of modern arthropod cuticles and some of the perpendicular elements may be pore-canals. Three main layers are described; it is not possible to equate these with the histochemical subdivisions of extant cuticles.