Cuticular Permeability and Epicuticular Lipid Composition in Two Arizona Vejovid Scorpions

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Abstract
Cuticular permeabilities in two Arizona vejovid scorpions reflect the temperature/relative humidity regimes of the habitats in which they were collected. Four lipid classes are present in significant proportions in the epicuticular lipids of both species: hydrocarbons, free fatty acids, cholesterol, and aliphatic alcohols. Surface densities of total lipids and hydrocarbons are inversely correlated with cuticular permeability. Epicuticular lipids of the more xeric-adapted species are characterized by higher proportions of long-chain branched hydrocarbons and long-chain saturated free fatty acids. The results indicate that cuticular permeabilities can be altered to meet environmental requirements, and that in scorpions predictable changes in epicuticular lipid composition are in part responsible.