| The anatomy of the masticatory part of the mandible (the pars molaris) has been studied throughout the moult/intermoult cycle in some peracacarid crustacean species, by scanning electron microscopy. Species examined were: Ligia oceanica, Sphaeroma serratum, Idotea balthica, Talitrus saltator, Hyale nilssoni, Gammarid amphipoda and the mysid Pranus flexuosus. Feeding is known to decline near moulting; this may be because the chewing surfaces become loosened before moulting. Also the surfaces are worn down and useless, and feeding ceases. Very long intermoult periods, as found in old individuals, may thus cause long periods of starvation and this could enhance the symptoms of senescence. |
