Abstract
Examination, utilizing scanning electron microscopy, of 58 specimens ofHoploparia stokesi(Weller) from the Maastrichtian portion of the Lopez de Bertodano Formation, Seymour Island, Antarctica, leads to the conclusion that cuticular ultrastructure may be used to distinguish molted from deceased remains of nephropid lobsters. Molted cuticle is characterized by deterioration, or loss, of lamination in the inner endocuticle whereas cuticle, during the intermolt phase, exhibits lamination throughout the endocuticle as well as the exocuticle. Diagenetic effects may obscure lamination throughout the cuticle. These observations confirm that Salter's position is typical of molted remains in fossils. Furthermore, partial remains ofH. stokesigenerally are molts. Preservational quality of molted remains tends to be better than that of corpses.
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