On the Cuticle of the Scorpion Palamneus swammerdami

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Abstract
1. The cuticle of the scorpion Palamneus swammerdami shows the same fundamental layers as that of insects. It consists of a thin outer epicuticle and a thick inner endo-cuticle; the outer layers of the latter are transformed by hardening into an amber-coloured exocuticle. 2. The chemical characteristics of the constituent layers of the cuticle in different regions are described and it is shown that the proteins impregnating the endocuticle during hardening appear to be different from those described in insects and possess resistant properties. 3. The exocuticle in addition to giving evidence of tanning indicates the presence of disulphide bonding. A similar indication is obtained in the epicuticle. 4. The mode of hardening of the cuticle of scorpion is discussed and compared with similar processes in other arthropods.

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