Comparative SEM Studies of Lattice Organs: Putative Sensory Structures on the Carapace of Larvae from Ascothoracida and Cirripedia (Crustacea Maxillopoda Thecostraca)

Abstract

Abstract Putative sensory structures, called lattice organs, were studied with scanning electron microscopy from ascothoracid or cypris larvae representing a wide range of families of the Ascothoracida and Cirripedia. These organs, situated dorsally on the carapace were, with few exceptions, always found in two anterior and three posterior pairs. The lattice organ morphology displayed by the Ascothoracida, a seta–like structure with a terminal pore, is believed to be the most plesiomorphic condition. Within the Cirripedia lattice organ morphology varied from types resembling the Ascothoracida in the Acrothoracica and the lepadomorph Capitulum mitella , to an elongate pore field with a larger terminal pore in most Thoracica and Rhizocephala. Akentrogonid Rhizocephala seem to display the most apomorphic condition. While lattice organ morphology was generally constant at the family level, cases were seen where closely related species such as Chthamalus stellatus and Chthamalus montagui showed minor, but clear cut differences. Lattice organs in 2 + 3 pairs are argued to represent a synapomorphy for the Ascothoracida and the Cirripedia. The results confirm that the cyprid morphology at the ultrastructural level will prove to be of high value in estimating phylogeny within the Cirripedia.