Abstract
For many kinds of ecological, evolutionary and developmental study, it is important to be able to describe the life-history of the individuals of a particular species/population. In the case of myriapods and other arthropods, this involves separating the different life-history stages (or stadia or instars) that are separated by moults. However, it has recently been pointed out that in the earliest post-embryonic stages the cuticle is still quite flexible; this means that visible external developmental changes can occur between moults as well as during them. Here, we provide evidence for such inter-moult changes in the coastal geophilomorph centipede Strigamia maritima. The character states studied enable finer-scale resolution of early post-embryonic forms than was hitherto possible. Specifically, we describe five transitional forms during a period in which just two (Peripatoid and Foetus) have traditionally been recognized.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
