| Abstract |
Striking similarities were found between the armarial part of the proventriculus of Lepismatidae
(Hexapoda: Dicondylia: Zygentoma) and the cardia of Decapoda (Crustacea: Malacostraca: Eucarida). These in-
clude a similar shape and arrangement of the sclerites and denticles, a similar pattern of apodemes, and similar sym-
metry relations. The armarium of Dicondylia and the cardia of Malacostraca may, therefore, be homologous, and
the similarities between Lepismatidae and Decapoda may belong to the ground-plan of Mandibulata. On the other
hand, the distribution of the structural features of these organs within Tracheata and within Crustacea is inconsistent
with this assumption and may indicate that this similar morphology was developed independently in Dicondylia and
in Malacostraca. The homology question cannot yet be definitely resolved. |
