title: Exoskeletal cuticle of cavernicolous and epigean terrestrial isopods: A review and perspectives.
abstract: Comparative ultrastructural studies of the integument in terrestrial isopod crustaceans show that specific environmental adaptations of different eco-morphotypes are reflected in cuticle structure. The biphasic molting in isopods is a valuable experimental model for studies of cuticular matrix secretion and degradation in the same animal. The aim of this review is to show structural and functional adaptations of the tergal cuticle in terrestrial isopods inhabiting cave habitats. Exoskeletal cuticle thickness, the number of cuticular layers, epicuticle structure, mineralization, pigmentation and complexity of sensory structures are compared, with greater focus on the well-studied cave trichoniscid Titanethes albus. A large number of thinner cuticular layers in cave isopods compared to fewer thicker cuticular layers in related epigean species of similar body-sizes is explained as a specific adaptation to the cavernicolous life style. The epicuticle structure and composition are compared in relation to their potential waterproofing capacity in different environments. Cuticle mineralization is described from the functional point of view as well as from the aspect of different calcium storage sites and calcium dynamics during the molt cycle. We also discuss the nature and reduction of pigmentation in the cave environment and outline perspectives for future research.
authors: University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. Electronic address: milos.vittori@bf.uni-lj.si.
authors: Miloš
authors: M
authors: Vittori
authors: University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors: Magda
authors: M
authors: Tušek-Žnidarič
authors: University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors: Jasna
authors: J
authors: Štrus
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D060105:Animal Shells / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D002118:Calcium / Q000737:chemistry*; D059552:Caves; D017753:Ecosystem; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D033321:Isopoda / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018978:Molting; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010858:Pigmentation; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D019476:Insect Proteins; C047663:cuticle proteins, insects; D002118:Calcium
keywords: Arthropod; Caves; Integument; Woodlice