EXERCISE 113 ARTHWOPODA-I - GHELIGEMTA

AND CRUSTACEA: OBSERVATION

AND CLASSIFICATION OF
SPECIMENS AND STUDY OF
NAUPEIUS LARVA
Structure
13.1 Introduction
0h.jectives
13.2 Material Required
13.3 General Cliaracters and Classificatio~iof Al-tliropoda
13.4 Subphylum Clielicerata - Classes Araclinida and Merosto~nata
Class Arachnicla
Class Merosto~nata
13.5 Subphylum Cri~stacea
Dnl~l~nio
Bolnnlu
Sncclrlinn
Ptrltrer~~on
Ercpog~i~lrs
, 13.6 Nauplius Larva of Crustaceans
13.7 Ter~iii~ial
Questions
b

. 3.1 INTRODUCTION
In tliis exercise you will examine and ide~itifysollie of tlie common represe~itativeso f
Artliropoda. The pliylu~iiArthropoda as the lialne sig~iifies(arthros =joined +podo.s
=foot) are tlie animals which possess jointed appendages. A1-tliropoda co~istit~ltes tlie
largest phylum of animal kingdom comprising animals like crabs, lobster, scorpion, spiders,
millipedes, centipedes and insects st~clias cockroaches, bedbugs, houseflies, mosquitoes,
butterflies, honeybees etc. In this exercise you will sti~dyexa~nplesof Clielicerata,
Crustacea as well as tlie nauplius larva as tlie first larval stage ofall crustaceans.

Objectives
After performing tliis exercise you s h o ~ ~ be
l d able to:
identify tlie arachnid and crustacean speci~iie~is -spider, Pal~nnnaezrs(scorpion), Limuhrs
(king crab), spider Arurieu, Pen~ee~,s/Palue~~ion (crayfish), Sarcoptes (itcli mite),
Duphlliu, Bakxnrrs, Saccvlina, Scolo~~e~iclra, Ezq~ngz~rzrs(lier~nitcrab) and Nauplius larva,
belo~igi~ig to phylum Artliropoda and give tlieir scientific and common names.
classify tlie identified artliropods LIPto tlie level o r tlie class
list cliaracters justifying their classification and mention special features, if any
identify Peripafus mid observe its special characters
mention tlie habitat and geograpliical location of tlie identified genera
draw labelled d i a g r a ~ i of
~ s the identified specimens
mention economic importance, if any, OF eacli of tlie identified genera.

f3.2 MATERIAL, REQUIRED

1. Preserved speci~iieris/per~iia~ie~it
slides of tlie followi~iganimals:
Palamnaeu.~(Scorpion)
Liniulw (King crub)
Aranan (Spidel.)
Sarcoptes (itch mite)
Daphniu
Animal Diversity Lab. Balanus (Rock ~arnacle)~
Sacculina
Palaen~on(Prawn)
Eupaguras (Hermit crab)
Nauplius larva
2. Cornpound Microscope
3. Hand Lens
4. Magnifying glass
5. Practical Record Book
6. Pencil
7. Rubber

13.3 GENERAL CHARACTERS AND CLASSIFICATION

These are metamerically seglnentged animals with an exoskeleton of cuticle.

- Scliizocoelic coelom is much reduced and is replaced by perivisceral haemocoel, which
is filled with blood. Circulatory system is of open type. True nephridia are absent, but
coelomoducts act as gonoducts and often as excretory organs. Body of the alliinal is
bilaterally symmetrical. They also bear paired appendages. Tlie phylum AI-thropoda is
divisible into Chelicerate and Crustacea. In this exercise you will only examine and
identify the Arachnida, Crustacea and in tlie next exercise we will deal with uniramia ' '
and onychophora. You will examine, identify and draw labelled line diagrams of the
preserved specimens/ per~nauentslides of Ilie wliole mounts of the animals. You are
supposed to write the comrnents on tlie observations you have made.

ARACHNIDA AM) MEROSTOMATA

Tlie subphylum Chelicerata includes familiar horse shoe crab, spiders, scorpions, ticks
and mites.
I . Body consists of an anterior prosolna and a posterior opisthosotna.
2. Prosolna bears tlieappe~~dages involved in feedingsand loco~notion.
Opistliosoma [nay have exterior seg~nentationbut appendages are either absent o r
considerably reduced.
3. Tlieir main appendages are clielicerae and pedipalpi.
4. Antennae and mandibles are absent.
5 . These are the first land animals in evolution of arthropods which have
successfi~llycolonised the terrestrial environment. .

13.4.1 Class - Arachnida

Tlie class Arachnida (arachne = spider) has terrestrial and few aquatic animals. It
includes'spider, scorpions and mites.
1. Prosoma bears.six pair o f appendages: one pair of clielicerae, one pair of pedipalpi
and four pairs of walking legs.
2. Abdo~nenis generally devoid of appendages.
3. Respiratory organs are tracheae, book l ~ l g a~id
s book gills.
4. Excretio~iis performed by malpigllian tubules and coxal glands.
5. Sexes are separate but sexual dimorphism is not conspicuous.
So, you have refreshed your background knowledge of1.he characters of subphylum
Chelicerata and class Arachnida. Let us now study individuals cxarnples under the
I
I
class Arachn ida. I
1. Example - Pnlnmnneus (Scorpion)
Examine tlie specime~iboth from dorsal and ventral sicles. Observe tlie following
features :-
(i) It has dark coloured body to match with the surroundings. The ~llldersideis pale yellow. Artliropoila-l-
Body is divided into prosoma 01.ceplialotliorax and opisthosoma 01- Cheticerata and
(ii) Crustacca:
abdomen. P~~osoma is covered by square shaped shield of dorsal carapace. Observation snrl '

(iii) Dorsal carapace has right atid left frontal lobes. It also bears a pair of median Classification of
eyes witli 2-13 pairs of smaller lateral eyes on the antero-lateral margins. Specimens and
Eyes are simple in structure. On tlie ventral surface of the prosoma there is'a Study o f Nnuplius
single, median, small, trialigl~larplate, the sternum. It lies between tlie coxa Larwn
of the 3"' and 4''' pair of legs.
(iv) Opistliosoriia is distinguished as anterior mesosoma atid posterior metasoma.
Mesosoma consists of seven segments. Each segment i s covered by tergal plates
dorsally and sternal plates ventrally. Both are joined laterally by pleural ~ ~ i ebrane.
~ii
(v) Sternum of the first mesosoma bears genital aperture which is covered by a
genital operculum. Sternilm of second seg~~ient bears comb-like appendages
called pectines. Pectinc has small corn b-like 24-26 bristles.

s
". %' U.&

*; "; *.%6
. 84,)
-. L- % "i.i
-, 4
y
4 I,,
'* *-.,
*' o*
T-4
1 ,d l8 ! ,, *, \:, 4 i,,,.I

U
*h

Fig. 13.1 Pnlnnrrrneirs, A -Dorsal view; B - Ventral view.

(vi) Metaso~iiaor post-abdomen is slender and consists of five cylindrical

segments witli a telson or sting. 'The sting comprises an ampulla atid a distal
spine or aculeus. A~iipullacontains poison glands with an opening at tlie tip o f
tlie distal spine.
Animal Diversity Lab. Scorpion has six pairs of appendages. These are a pair of chelicerae, a pair of
(vii)
pedipalpi and four pairs of walking legs. Clielicerae are three-segmented
with two distal seg~iielitsforming chela. Pedipalps have sixjoints, walking
legs are colnposed of coxa, troclianter, femur, tibia and three tarsi.
(viii) Respiratory system is higlily characteristic consisting of 4 pairs of book lungs
or pulmonary sacs. Paired book lungs are situated on tlie ventro-lateral sides
of the 3rd,4"', 5'" and 6'" mesoso~i~al
or preabdonii~ialsegments.
(ix) Sexes are separate.

Habit and Habitat

This scorpio~lis nocturilal found under stones or bark of trees or in burrows.

Geographical Distribution
Most tropical and subtropical countries. Very colnlnon in India, niost prevalent in
Maliaraslitra, Assam, Rajastlian, Sauraslitra, Uttar Pradesh, etc.,

Classification and its Justification

Ki~igdo~n Animalia Aninials, multi-cellular organisms with cells
that lack a cell wall, niany capable of movement or
~novementof sollie of their body parts or capable
of ~noverne~it at sollie time of their life cycle;
11eterot1-opliic~~utrition.
PI~ylum Arthropods Jointed appendages, segmented body
Subphylum Chelicerata Main appendages are clielicerae and pedipalpi,
body divided into prosolna and opisthosoma
Class Arachnids Four pairs of walking legs
Gerii~s Pnlnntnneus
Species b e~rgalensis
Conimon name Scorpion

2. Example - Aranen (Spider)

Examine the specimen and observe tlie following features:
(i) Four pairs of walking legs.
(ii) Body co~nprisesprosolna and opisthosoma, both are connected by a pedicel.
(iii) Prosoma bears eight dorsal eyes and six pairs of appelidages and is covered by
a carapace.
(iv) Clielicerae are subchelate and contain poison glands.
(v) Ped ipalps are si~npleand six jointed, chelate walking legs are often hairy.
(vi) Opistliosoma lacks appendages but bears three pairs of spinnerets which help
in spin~iingthe thread for the web.
(vii) Ducts arise f r o q tlie silk glands i n the posterior side, opening on the spool or
spigot at tlie tip of the spinnerets. Several strands from single spool combine
to form a silk thread. Thread is elastic at first but later it hardens and forms
tlie web.
(viii) Respiration occurs tlirough book lu~igsand tracheae.
(ix) Excretioi~by malpighian tubules and coxal glands.
(x) Sexes are separate. Male spiders are smaller than females.
(xi) Their legs are longer and bear additional cliemo-sensors for detecting williilg
females.
 Arthropoda-J -
Chelicerata and
Crustacea:
Observation and
Classification of
Specimens and
Study of Nauplius
Larva

.'.*.
'bg*,13.2Arnltcn (Spitler) , A -Dorsal view; B -Ventral view.
Habit and Habitat
Yor
Spider Ai.n17ea-is colnlnorlly called'hs.orb webbed spider. It is found in jungles,
deserts, caves and even houses and gardens. There is one species Arai~euwhich is
found in fresh water. Success of tlie spider is based on several factors like venom for
their defence, mobility and their outstanding eyes.

I Gwgrapl~icnlDistribution
Cosmopolitan, it is found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Africa, U.S.A , etc.
L

Classification and its Justification

Kingdom Animalia Animals, multi-cellular organisms w itli cells
that lack a cell wall, many capable o f movement
or ~novementof some of tlieir body parts or
capable o f l n o v e ~ n eat
~ ~some
t time of their life
cycle; licterotropliic nutrition.
Phylum Artl~ropotla ". Jointed appendages, segmented'bocly
Subphylum Chelicelmla Main appendages are chelicerae and pedipalpi,
body divided into prosoma and opistliosoma
Class Arachnitla Four pairs of wnlki~iglegs
Genus Amnen
Common lialne Orb webbed spider

3. Exs~nple- Sarcnl~tesscabei (itch mite)

Observe the perti~anentslide under the lnicroscope and nore the following characters:
(i) Body is oval or rounded and dorsove~~trally flattened. There are lleavy
transverse striat'ions and the postcrior legs carry bristles.
133
Animal Diversity Lab. MoutIi parts are chelicerae, four pair of legs and legs are provided with suckers
(ii) I
(ii i) Appendages are reduced. I

(iv) They have tracheal system with spiracles and lack specialised respiratory orgall,
Direct exchange of gases occurs through thin body surface. I

(v) Heart and arteries greatly reduced. I

I

Fig. 13.3 Smcoptes (Itch mite).

Habit and Habitat

Sarcoptes scabei-is a parasite that lives in tlie human skin. Infestatiol~of tliis animal
causes itch (scabies). Males are 2-3 mm long and fernales are double 1.he size.

It enters the skin through epidermis. Its compact round shape enables s~nootliand easy I

~novelnentin tlie skin. Infection is carried out through contact of tlie infected skin.

Geographical Distribution
Sarcoptes scabei found almost throughout the world.

Classification and its Justification

Kingdom Animalia Animals, multi-cellular organisms with cells
that lack a cell wall, Inany capable o f ~novenlelitor
movement of sollie of their body parts or capable of
movement at some ti~iieof their lik cycle;
lieterotropliic nutrition.
Phylum Arthropoda Jointed appendages, scg~nelitedbody
Subpliylum CheIicerata Main appendages are cllelicerae and pedipalpi,
body divided into proson-la nnd opistlioso~na
Class Arachnida Four pairs of walking legs
Genus Snrcoptes
Species scnbei
Common name Itch mite

13.4.2 Class Merostomata

The Class Merostomata are aquatic chelicerates in which five or six pairs of
abdominal appendages are modified into gills. At the end of bocly there is a sword like
telson.

4. Example Limulus (king crab)

King crab (also called horse shoe crab) is not really a crab, true crabs are included in
malacostraca. King crab is the largest living merostome. It comes under the catcgory
I
of living fossils.
 Examine tlie specimen from both dorsal and ventral sides and look for the following Artl~ropoda-I-
features: Chelicernta and
Crustacea:
(i) Linlulus is horse-shoe shaped crab with dorsally convex carapace covering Observation and
prosoma. The posterior side of the body is fitted into the slots of carapace. Classification of
Specimens and
(ii) A long caudal spine extends from tlie rear of the opistliosoma. Spine helps in Study of Nauplius
locomotion. It is neither offensive nor defensive in function. Larva
(iii) Ventral side bears segmental appendages. Flanking labrum are chelicerae.
Three segmented clielicerae for111the pincers, forming a chelate appendage.
(iv) ~ ~ i s t l i o s o misahexagonal broadly joined to prosoma and consists of
liiesoso~naticsegments, an u~iseg~nented vestigial metasoma.
(v) The next four pairs are clielated legs and tlie 6'" pair are non-chelate legs. Just
beliind the mouth an oral plate-like appendage called chilaria is present.
(vi) The mesosomatic appendages are flattened and plate-like. The first pair is
~lliitedin the middle to form a genital operculurn. Exopodite of tlie remaining
five pairs bears respiratory book gills.
(vii) Horse slioe crab eats polycliaetes, small rnulluscs and soft invertebrates of tlie ocean floor.
(viii) d i e foregut of Linzulus includes an oesophagus and a gizzard, the ~nidgutcomprises a
sto~iiacliand paired liepatic caecae and an intestine.

*/ -&

Carapace of prosoma
I Che"cera \ r ~outh

Lateral eye

Immovable \\ I \ I \

Fig. 13.4: Limulus. A - Dorsal view; B - Ventral view.

Animal Diversity Lab. Habit and Habitat
Marine in shallow waters, found burrowing in sand, sluggish and mostly buried in
sand. Feeds on soft mollusca and other small animals.

Geographical Distribrltion
North Western Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, also South East Asia11
Pacific coasts.

Classification and its Justification

I<il~gdom Animalia Animals, multi-cellular organisms with cells
that lack a cell wall, Inany capable of ~novemetitor
movement of some of their body parts or capable
of movemelit at some time of tlieir life cycle;
lieterotropliic nutrition.
Phylum Arthropods Jointed appendages, segmented body
Subphylum Chelicerata Main appendages are cliel icerae and ped ipalpi,
body divided into prosoma and opisthoso~na
Class Merostomata Five or six abdomi~lalappendages modified into gi 11s
S~~bclass Xiphosura Sword-like telson at the end of tlie body
Genus Limulus
C o ~ n ~ n oname
n King crab o r horse shoe crab

13.5 SUBPHYLUM - CRUSTACEA

General Features
Cri~staceansbody is covered externally by chitinous cuticle and bilaterally
symmetrical, triploblastic and is divisible into three regions head, thorax and
abdomen.

Crustaceans are mainly aquatic arthropods wit11 gills for respiration but a few live in
moist places. These possess telson and variable number of metameres. A
ceplialotliorax is present in most of the crustacea, formed by the fusion of the head
and thoracic metameres into a uniform tagma. Ceplialotliorax lias usually a carapace.
Head bears a pair of compou~ideyes and five pairs of appendages. Thorax and
abdolnen bear five pairs of biramous appendages in each segment. Tlie group sl~ows
diverse adaptation of tlie appendages. Basic structure of these limbs is modified for
divergent function. It consists of proxi~nalprotopodite and two distal branches.
Protopodite lias coxa or coxopodite and a basis or basopdite. Tlie latter has two
elements-inner elidopodite and outer exopodite, coxopodite extensions are called
epipodites.

In most crustacean groups tagmatization includes the for~nationof a carapace on the

ceplialothorax. Appendages are associated wit11 tlie functions of locomotion,
respiration and feeding. Appendage adaptation may involve atrophy or hypertrophy
of any of tlie basic elements described above. Respiration is either by gills o r by body
surface. CoeIom is greatly reduced and forms haemocoel. Excretory organs are
modified coelo~noductswhich may be either ~naxillaryglands or antennary (green)
glands. Heart lies in dorsal pericardial sinus wliicli co~nmunicatesby valvuJar ostia.
Sexes are separate and show sexual dimorphism. Development includes
~neta~norphosis with free larval stages.

Examine the permanent slide of Daphnia (Water flea) and observe the following
features:
i) It is small about 1-2 inm in length.
ii) Trunk bears six paired appendage, one pair of large biramous antennae, five pairs
Arthropoda-I -
of leaf- like appendages. Chelicerata and
iii) One sessile compound eye. Crustacea:
iv) Body is enclosed in a carapace which ends into dorsal spine. Observation rnd
V) ema ale carries eggs and embryos in large brood pouches situated between Classificrtion of
Specimens and
abdomen and posterior part of tlie carapace. Study of Nauplius
Larva

- -
Pig. 13.5: Dnplarzicl (Watcr flea) A nntural; B semi diagrammatic.
Habit and Habitat
Found in fresh water ponds, streams and ditches. I
I

Geographical Distribution
Widely distributed in South East Asia, Europe and U.S.A. / II
Classification and its Justification
Kingdom Animalia Animals, multi-cellular organisms with cells
I
I
that lack a cell wall, many capable of movement or
rnove~nentof some of their body parts or capable of
movement at some time of their life cycle;
heterotropliic nutrition.
I1
i

j
Phylum Arthropoda Jointed appendages, segmented body
I
S~bpliylum Crustacea Biramous appendages
Class Branchiopoda Trunk appendages flat and leaf-like i
Genus Dnplrnia
i
Species ptrlex i
i!
Colnmon name Water flea
Animal Diversity Lab, 13.5.2 Balanus
Examine the specimen of Bolanus (Acorn or rock barnacle) kept inside the jar and
note the following features :
(i) Body is enclosed by six calcareous shell plates - one dorsal keel or carina, one
rostrum and two pairs of lateral plates. Shell is directly attached to the rock
because peduncle is absent which is otherwise present in other barnacles.
(ii) The opening of the shell is provided with a four fold cover consisting of two
scuta and two paired plates, the terga.
(iii) Six pairs of thoracic legs protrude out through the openings of the sllell for
capturing food particles.
(iv) Animals are hermaphrodite.

Fig. 13.6: Balanus, A - Natural, B - Diagram of internal structure of a barnacle.

 Habit and Habitat Arthropoda-I -
Chelicerata and
Attached to rocks and molluscan shells below high tide mark. Crustacea:
Observation and
Classification o f
Specimens and
Geographical Distribution Study of Nauplius
Cosmopolitan, specially found along Pacific Coast, North Atlantic Coast, etc. Larva

Classification and its Justification

Kingdom A~limalia Aninlals, multi-cellular organisms with cells
that lack a cell wal I, Inany capable of movement or
movement of some of their body parts or capable of
movement at some time of their lire cycle;
lieterotropliic nutrition.
Pllyli~m AI-thropodzr Jointed appendages, segmented body
Class Crustacea Bira~iiousappendages
Sub class Cirripetlia Bira~ilousappendages fringed with tufts of setae
Genus Brrlrrn ~ r s
Common name Acorn or rock ba~acle

[The sub-class Cirripedia includcs mostly rocky coast line barnacles. They were
originally confused with niolluscs because they possessed thick calcareous shells.
Their inter~ialanatomy arid larval stages focus relationship with cri~staceans.Almost
900 species have been described so far.]

Examine tlle sl.>ecimenof crab in jar and observe the parasite locatcd between
tlie crab's thorax and abdomen. Note the followi~igfeatures:

"
It shows extreme degeneration due to tlie parasitic mode of life. It loses all
I
arthropodan characters and resembles tlie ~nycelium of firngus. A cypris
- larva destined to become feniale enters tlle gill chamber of tlie host crab
and attaclles to tlie gill. Following metamorpliosis of tlie cypris, a
: proliferatio11in tile host's integument is made permitting tlie entrance of a
Inass of differentiated cells of the parasite. Within the l~ost,growth of
parasite takes place through the ramification of a nutrient-absorbing root-
like systelii. Sexual develop~neliti~ivolvesthe formation of an external
I
brood chamber.

(i) It is a crustacean by development, wliicll shows a nauplius stage.

(ii) Tlle young Sacculina attaches ventrally to the crab's body between thorax and
abdomen.
*
(iii) Then loses its organs and sends root-like processes in the body of the host and
tur~lsinto an ovoid sac. This opens externally by genital or cloaca1 aperture.
(iv) Presence of Sacculina causes many clianges in tlle sex characters of the host,
including parasitic castration. The male host acquires female characters while
female ovaries become degenerated.
Animal Diversity Lab.

:. .
Fig. 13.7: Sncculina parasitizing a crab

Habit and Habitat

Found as a parasite on crab

Geographical Disifr'bution
Cos~nopolitan

Classification and its Justification

Kingdom Animalia Animals, multi-cellular organis~nswith cells
that lack a cell wall, many capable of movement or
movement of some of their body parts or capable of
movement at some time of their life cycle;
heterotrophic nutrition.
p1iylu~n ' Arthropoda Jointed appendages, segmented body
 Arthropoda-I -
Class
Subphylum
Cirripedia
Crustacea
Bisamous appendages
Biramous appendages fringed with tufts of setae Chelicerata and
I
Crustacea:
Genus Snccrrlinn Observation and
Classification of
13.5.4 Palaemon Specimens and
1P Study of Nauplius
Examine the specimen in jar and note the following features: Larva
(i) Palae~non(Prawn) lias a spindle-shaped body which is bilaterally
symemetrical. Size varies from 2.13 to 90 cm.
(ii) They are pale yellow in colour. Body is divided into anterior cephalothorax
and posterior movable abdomen.
(iii) It possesses an exoskeleton of hard cuticle.
(iv) A co~iti~luous dorsal shield, covering cepllalotllorax is called carapace or dorsal
plate which is a fused structure. Dorsal shield is pro+ced into a rostrum.

-?

..
Fig. 13.8: Pnlnenron, A - adult prawn; B - appendages.
'

141
Animal Diversity Lnb. All tlie base of the rostrum on either side is an orbital notch which
(v)
accommodates the stalk of compound eye. It also has two short spines on either*
side called antenna] and hepatic spines respectively.
(vi) Hard pieces of skeleton covering abdomen are called sclerites. The sclerites a r s
joined by membrane.
(vii) Mouth lies anteriorly as a mid-ventral slit in the cephalothorax.
(viii) Frolri the ventrolateral margins of each segment arises as a pair of appendages
or limbs.
(ix) Each appendage lias protopodite or coxa and upper basopodite or basis. From
tlie protopodite arise two rami an inner endopodite and outer exopodite.
(x) There are nineteen pairs of biramous appendages consisting of antennules,
antennae, mandibles and maxillae on head as cephalic appendages. Antennules
bear statocyst on precoxa. Three pairs of thoracic appendages consist of
maxillipedes. Cephatotllorax also bears five pairs of walking legs. They
perform multiple function of balancing, sensory, food handling, walking and
swiln~ningetc. Abdomen bears six pairs of pleopods.
(xi) Respiration is performed by epipodites or gills present in the anterior part of the
gill chamber.
(xii) It is dioecious and sliows sexual dimorphism.

Habit and Habitat,

Found in fresh water ponds, ditches lakes streams and rivers. Nocturnal hiding during
the day and comes to surface at night

Geographical Distribution
Commonly found in India
.)

Classification and its Justification

Kingdom Animalia Animals, multi-cellular organis~nswith cells
that lack a cell wall, Inany capable of movernept or
movement of some of their body parts or capable
of movement at some time of tlieir life cycle;
heterotrophic nutrition.
Pliylilm Arthropoda Jointed appendages, segmented body
Subphylum Crustacea Biramous appendages
Class Malacostraca Thorax with walking legs, abdominal appendages
are the swimming legs
Genus Pnlaemon
Common name Prawn

Eupagurus (Fig. 13.9) is an example of hermit crabs. Examine the specimen

(occupying the inside of the empty gastropod shell) and see Fig. 13.10 and note the
following feature.
(i) Cephalothorax is broad, flattened with hard shell, antennules are short but
antennae are long. Eye stalks are elongated.
(ii) The first three pairs,of legs are chelate and last two are small and non-chelate.
Right leg is larger than tlie left.
(iii) For tlie protection of soft body it stays in the gastropod shell.
(iv) All internal strilctures become spirally twisted and tlie abdominal appendages of
riglit side get atrophied.
(v) Last pair of appendages i.e. uropods become hook-like for holding the
columella of the shell. Riglit claw which is modified, covers the she11 as
operculum and it also captures the prey.
 Arthropoda-I -
Chelicerata and
Crustacea:
Observation and
Classification of
Specimens and
Study o f Nauplius
Larva

Fig. 13.9: Eirpr~gurus.

Fie. 13.10: Hermit crab and sea anemone.

Animal Diversity Lab.

Ki~igdo~n Animalia Animals, multi-cellular organisms with cells

tliat lack a cell wall, lnaliy capable of moverneiit or
movelnent of some of tlieir body parts 01. capable
of movement at solne time of tlieir life cycle;
lieterotropliic nutrition.
Phylum Arthropoda Jointed appendages, segmented body I
Subpliy 1~1111 Crustacea Biralnous appendage I
Class Malacostraca Thorax with walking legs, abdo~ninalappe~idages
are the swimming legs I
Genus Euprrgcsrns
Common name Hermit crab

[Most often a sea-anemone attaches on tlie outside of tlie gastropod shell and hermit
crab lives inside tlie shell. Hermit crab is a good example of co~n~nensalis~ns (sliari~ig
common food with reference to tlie liermit crab and tlie sea anemone). Tlie liard sliell
and sea-anemone protect the body of the hermit crabs from sea enemies. Stingi~ig
cells of sea-atiemone do not allow fishes to come near tlie shell. I11 return the liermit
crabs provide ride to tlie sea-anelnone and access to a variety of food.]

13.6 NAUPLIUS LARVA OF CRUSTACEANS

Examine tlie perlnalient slide of ~iaupliusunder low power of microscope and observe
.Fig. b3.1 1 . Note tlie following features:
(i) Oval or pear-shaped unsegmented body having a broad anterior head region, an
intermediate trunk region arid a posterior bilobed anal region.
(ii) 1" pair of appendages are unbranched or unira~nous(these become the
antennules of tlie adult).
I\[ .1Iir(-Iin.L

Fic. !3.11: Nauplius larva.

 (iii) Appendages of the second and third pairs are biramous (two branches) and are ~ r t h r o ~ i-
da~
called tlie antennary and mandibular feet respectively, (they form tlie antennae Chelicerata knd
Crustacea:
and mandibles of the adult). Observation and
(iv) Head region bears a conspicuous sessile median eye. Classification of
(v) The lnoutli opens anteriorly between the bases of antennary and mandibular Specimens and
feet. Study of Nmuplius
Lmry
(vi) Anus lies at the extren~ity of the caudal region.
(vii) Alilnentary canal is straight and made of foregut, midgut and hindgut (mouth
and alimentary canal are lacking in the nauplius of Cirripedia).
(viii) Larva is witliout a heart and has no segmented ventral nerve cord.

You should sketch what you observe ~lndertlie microscope in your record notebook,
label and verify tlie descriptive features of the larva listed above.

Clnssification and its Justification

Kingdom Animalia Animals, multi-cellular organisms with cells
that lack a cell wall, many capable of movement or
lnovelnelit ofsolne of their body parts or capable
of movement at solne time of their fife cycle;
J~eterotrophicnutrition.
Phylum Arthropoda Jointed appendages
Class Crl~stacea Biralnous appendages

1 1 3 1 TE INAL QUESTIONS
1 1. On what basis can you identify Sacculina as belonging to the phyluln arthropods?

2. How would you define the subphylum crustacea in a single sentence?

...................................................................................................

I* 3. .What are the special features of nauplius larva so as to link it with class
Crustacea?

....................................................................................................
I 4. Draw a labelled diagram of Nauplius larva giving salient-features and scientific
classification.
...................................................................................................

5. Indicate whether the following statements are True or False.

i) Nauplius is a stage in the developlne~itof Cr~rstacea.
ii) Nauplius is a ~nicroscopicstructure.
iii) Nauplius has 3 pairs of appendages.
Animal Diversity Lab.