Analytical Cuticle Classification
(Waugh, 2002; Waugh and Feldmann, 2002)

Analytical approach.– To permit comparison of cuticle across taxa, a system of classification here termed the Analytical Cuticle Classification is developed that describes the cuticle using parallel character classes. The cuticle is subdivided into five component classes for description: Epicuticle Surface (features) 15µm -1mm, Epicuticle Surface (features) <15µm, Tubercle Morphology, Calcification Style (part 2), and Epicuticle Habit. Development of a classification system will eventually allow the description and comparison of cuticle using quantitative methods, such as multivariate statistics, phenetic and cladistic methods. With these methods, a phylogeny based on cuticle alone can be created and tested against existing phylogenies. A more inclusive approach would include the new characters described in cuticle and existing characters used by decapod systematists. The ability of cuticle morphology to be plotted in morphospace, using this new classification, can aid in understanding the nature of the data, and identifying groups or clusters that have functional or taxonomic significance.
    It is important to note that this classification scheme is intended to describe all decapod cuticle. Although any piece of cuticle may be classified with this system, the results should not be confused with a purely taxonomic treatment. Classification in this system only classifies morphologic features. If the characters described in this paper are to be used for taxonomic or morphologic purposes, both intraspecific and interspecific variation must be considered in addition to the polarity of characters.

    This is a work in progress and new characters will continue to be added as they are recorded.