THE INTEGUMENTAL ULTRASTRUCTURE OF PARATHALESTRIS-HARPACTOIDES (CLAUS, 1863) (COPEPODA, HARPACTICOIDA)

The integument of Parathalestris harpactoides (Claus, 1863) is studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The general structu re of the integument conforms to the common pattern known from Copepod a. Emphasis is given to the structural variation of the cuticle in dif ferent regions of the body. The cuticle measures about 6 mum in most p arts of the body, and shows a laminate appearance. The epicuticle is a bout 60 nm thick. Numerous pore canals containing muscular tonofilamen ts penetrate the procuticular layer of the integument. A peculiar feat ure is the presence of a 'honeycombed' layer in the outermost zone of the cuticle of some parts of the body. The epidermal layer, muscle ins ertions and integumental pores are of common type. The cuticle of some specimens, both males and females, is covered with microorganisms.