The structure and function of the hepatopancreas of a terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare

The fine structure of the hepatopancreas of the isopod, Armadillidium vulgare was studied in intact and in experimentally treated animals. The gross anatomy of the hepatopancreas of this species is simpler than that of decapods, but microscopically the cells are similar in both. Accordingly, the function of this organ is probably the same in decapods and Armadillidium. Some phylogenetic considerations are also presented. In a previous paper Miyawaki et al. (1984), presented experimental results which indicated that the hepatopancreas of the crayfish, Procambarus clarki, had an important role in the absorption of digested food materials. These results confirmed earlier reports by Yonge (1924) and van Weel (1955) on the decapods, Nephrops norvegicus and Atya spinides, respectively. In the present study, we wished to determine whether the isopod hepatopancreas has a function like that of the decapods. A terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare collected on the University campus, and reared in the laboratory at room temperature was used. The methods of study were similar to those employed in the study with Procambarus clarki (Miyawaki et al., 1984).