Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the external morphology of the molar surface of the mandibles of the brine shrimp, Artemia salina. Unlike many other branchiopod crustaceans, Artemia has symmetrical mandibles, ie, the molar surfaces of the two mandibles of an individual are similar in size and surface structure. Each molar area has three basic regions: the anterio-ventral region, posterio-dorsal region, and transition zone. On the anterio-ventral region there are complex, parallel furrows and ridges, which are specializations for clasping masses of fine, particulate food. The general surface of this ridged area is flat, except at the ventral and anterior edges, where there is a fringe of long projections that probably serve to retain food in the space between the paired mandibles. The posterio-dorsal region, which has simpler, more sparse cuticular projections, is adapted for reception of food. Stereomicrographs reveal that the general surface of this region is sloped and thus forms a cleft along the posterio-dorsal margin of the two apposed molar surfaces. Anatomical relstionships suggest that the cleft is an adaptation for accommodating maxillular setae that push food forward onto the mandibles. The transition zone has cuticular specializations that are morphologically intermediate between those of the anterio-ventral and posterio-dorsal regions. Three types of pores, possibly openings of glands or sensilla, were observed in the cuticle of the molar surface.