The aesthetes of chitons. III. Shell surface observations.

The shells of the chitons Lepidochitona cinereus, Sypharochiton pelliserpentis, Amaurochiton glaucus and Onithochiton neglectus were examined by scanning electron microscopy. In all species the surface terminations of the megalaesthete and micraesthete organs could be identified lying flush with the shell surface, as well as, lenses of the shell eyes in O. neglectus. Periostracal debris and encrusting diatoms were a usual feature of the shell surfaces. The micraesthete subsidiary caps normally appear featureless, but the megalaesthete apical caps sometimes appear to be perforated. The reasons for this perforate appearance are discussed and it is concluded that it provides no evidence for the normal passage of substances out of or into the megalaesthete.