The ultrastructure of the aesthetes of Leptochiton asellus (Polyplacophora: Lepidopleurina)

Abstract

The ultrastructure of the aesthetes of Leptochiton asellus is described. Comparisons are made with the ultrastructure of the aesthetes of other chiton species and a number of unusual features are highlighted. In particular the perforated structure of the subsidiary caps and the extensive areas of banded molecular strands are discussed.