Ultrastructure and cuticle formation of the carapace in the myodocopan ostracod exemplified by Euphilomedes japonica (Crustacea: Ostracoda)

The ultrastructure and formation of the cuticle of a myodocopan ostracod, Euphilomedes japonica, are investigated utilizing scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The outer lamella cuticle consists of four layers; epicuticle, exocuticle, endocuticle, and membranous layer like in the cuticle of other arthropods. The exocuticle and endocuticle are well-calcified and the organic matrix develops within the both cuticles. The outermost layer of new cuticle (epicuticle) is secreted first and the inner layers (exocuticle, endocuticle and membranous layer) are added proximally in the pre-, and postmoult stages. The calcification takes place in the whole area of carapace at the same time together with the synthesis of organic matrix within the endocuticle. This study demonstrates that the ultrastructure and formation of the cuticle in myodocopans are different from those in podocopans, and that the myodocopan carapaces have achieved a structural diversity for adaptation to different lifestyles.