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Abstract

Of all the invertebrate phyla, arthropods have invaded the terrestrial habitat most successfully; with the exception of Crustacea they are predominantly land dwellers. Without doubt, one of the main reasons for this achievement is the evolution of arthropod cuticle which provides mechanical support and protection against water loss at the same time. Sense organs, however, meet a completely new situation, for they must adapt to a rigid exoskeleton which is a barrier between the environment and the milieu intérieur. Depending on the stimulus modality, there are various solutions to the contrasting tasks of maintaining the internal milieu and, at the same time, providing optimal accessibility of the sensory structures to environmental stimuli.