An electron dense, amorphous envelope that comprises the outermost layer of the cuticle. The surface coat is loosely apposed to the epicuticle, has distinct biochemical properties, is synthesized by cells other than the underlying hypodermis, and is labile. In addition to serving as a lubricant to protect against abrasion and dehydration, the surface coat may also play important roles in infection and immune evasion. An example of this component is found in Caenorhabditis elegans.
surface coat of collagen and cuticulin-based exoskeleton extracellular matrix