Samples from Palpigradi, Ricinulei, and Schizomida were examined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for the presence of metallic elements in cuticular structures. Manganese was found in Ricinulei while zinc was found in Palpigradi and Schizomida. When presence or absence of zinc is superimposed on a cladogram of arachnid orders, its absence in the Acaromorpha (Acari Ricinulei) appears to be a derived condition. Similarly the absence of manganese in the Uropygi (Schizomida Thelyphonida) may be synapomorphic as well.
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