Abstract
The elemental composition of the cuticle surface and associated microstructures of the isopod Porcellionides pruinosus was examined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The cuticle surface (epicuticle + exocuticle), balls, tricorns, tricorn lips, and epimeral sensilla all contained abundant calcium, with smaller amounts of sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, and chloride also present. Silicon was detected only in the sensilla. The ratios of these lesser elements to calcium were similar in the tricorns, balls, and lips, supporting their common origin. There was a marked reduction in the amount of calcium in the exuviae, and in the amount of calcium and other elements in newly released young when compared with intermoult adult cuticle. Cuticle treated with acetic acid exhibited loss of structural support and no calcium peak in the EDS spectrum, whereas treatment with EDTA had no effect on calcium levels or cuticle morphology.
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