Porcellio scaber is a crustacean with specialised structural adaptations related to its terrestrial habitat.

Purpose

Your objective in the next two lessons is to study the external structures of P. scaber in relation to their functions.

Procedure

1. Draw a clear labelled diagram of the slater from the dorsal view
(about 1 page in size).

You will need to use a binocular microscope or a hand lens to see the finer detail. Label the diagram as fully as you can.
List each of the structures you observed.
State the function of each structure.
Explain how the structure is adapted to carry out its function.

2. Draw a clear labelled diagram of the slater from the ventral view
(about 1 page in size).

You will need to use a binocular microscope or a hand lens to see the finer detail.
Label the diagram as fully as you can.
List each of the structures you observed.
State the function of each structure.
Explain how the structure is adapted to carry out its function.

3. If you have a dead slater available, you may wish to use fine forceps to remove some of the appendages for closer examination.
(e.g. a leg, an antenna, the mandibles).

Make large (say half page) diagrams of these structures.

A useful reference is Sutton, S.L., Woodlice, 1980, Pergamon Press