02162nas a2200169   4500008004100000022001400041245014200055210006900197260000800266490000600274520154100280100002101821700002201842700002801864700001701892856008301909       2019                        eng d  a2056-306X00aComparative morphology of ultimate and walking legs in the centipede <i>Lithobius forficatus</i> (Myriapoda) with functional implications0 aComparative morphology of ultimate and walking legs in the centi  cdec0 v53 a<p>Background: In the context of evolutionary arthopodial transformations, centipede ultimate legs exhibit a plethora of morphological modifications and behavioral adaptations. Many species possess significantly elongated, thickened, or pincer-like ultimate legs. They are frequently sexually dimorphic, indicating a role in courtship and mating. In addition, glandular pores occur more commonly on ultimate legs than on walking legs, indicating a role in secretion, chemical communication, or predator avoidance. In this framework, this study characterizes the evolutionarily transformed ultimate legs in Lithobius forficatus in comparison with regular walking legs. Results: A comparative analysis using macro-photography, SEM, &mu;CT, autofluorescence, backfilling, and 3Dreconstruction illustrates that ultimate legs largely resemble walking legs, but also feature a series of distinctions. Substantial differences are found with regard to aspects of the configuration of specific podomeres, musculature, abundance of epidermal glands, typology and distribution of epidermal sensilla, and architecture of associated nervous system structures. Conclusion: In consideration of morphological and behavioral characteristics, ultimate legs in L. forficatus primarily serve a defensive, but also a sensory function. Moreover, morphologically coherent characteristics in the organization of the ultimate leg versus the antenna-associated neuromere point to constructional constraints in the evolution of primary processing neuropils.</p>
1 aKenning, Matthes1 aSchendel, Vanessa1 aMüller, Carsten, H. G.1 aSombke, Andy  uhttps://zoologicalletters.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40851-018-0115-x