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Table 1 Summary of arthropod cuticle strata subdivisions and characteristics (modified from [4])

From: Gene expression profiling of cuticular proteins across the moult cycle of the crab Portunus pelagicus

 

Insects

Crustaceans

 

Cuticle layers

Cuticle layers

Organic phase

Mineral phase

Pre-ecdysial layers

Epicuticle

Epicuticle

Lipoproteic

Calcite

 

Exocuticle

Exocuticle

Chitin-protein

Calcite

Post-ecdysial layers (Endocuticle)

Endocuticle (with mesocuticle)

Principle layer

Chitin-protein

Calcite

  

Membranous layer

Chitin-protein

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