Relative scaling and colouration of cercopodes in Branchipus schaefferi (Crustacea: Branchiopoda)

In the crustacean

Cyst morphology of large branchiopod crustaceans (Anostraca, Notostraca, Laevicaudata, Spinicaudata) in western Poland

The morphology of resting eggs was studied in Polish populations of 7 large branchiopod species:Branchipus schaefferi,Chirocephalus shadini,Eubranchipus grubii(Anostraca),Lepidurus apus,Triops cancriformis(Notostraca),Lynceus brachyurus(Laevicaudata), andCyzicus tetracerus(Spinicaudata). Scanning electron microscope photographs for each species are also provided. In some species (especiallyE. grubii), the ornamentation and size of cysts from Polish populations significantly differ from literature data for populations from other parts of Europe. We also present a key to determination of the studied species based on cyst morphology and discuss whether those traits are useful in surveys of new localities of endangered large branchiopods.

On some morphological abnormalities in adult fairy shrimp Branchipus schaefferi Fischer, 1834, from Serbia

Branchipus schaefferi Fischer, 1834, is a common and one of the most abundant large branchiopods widely distributed in Europe. In this work, for the first time, we describe and classify some of the most frequently observed morphological anomalies in this species. These are deformities in the head structures as well as in cercopods. Possible causes of such anomalities are discussed in detail.

Temporary periodical pools of the lower reaches of the Dyje (Thaya) River

The qualitative composition and biology of aquatic invertebrates of the periodical pools of the lower Podyjí region is presented in the study. In the floodplains of south Moravia are many of vernal periodical pools with typical fauna e. g. Lepidurus apus, Eubranchipus grubii, Cyzicus tetracerus, Stygobromius ambulans, Hemidiaptomus amblyodon, Mixodiaptomus kupelwieseri, Diaptomus castor. Periodical vernal poools emerge after snow thawing, rains or floods. The summer periodical pools are at lower reaches of the Dyje River very rare. In this sort of pools live e. g. Triops cancriformis, Branchipus schaefferi, Leptestheria dahalacensis, larvae of mosquito Aedes vexans, Anopheles maculipennis, Culiseta annulata. The presented data may be avalaible for comparative study in the future with respect to expected global climate changes.

Life cycle and genetic differences of two Branchipus schaefferi populations from Morocco (Anostraca: Crustacea)

The somatic growth, longevity, and reproduction of two Moroccan anostracan populations from different climatic areas were studied under standardized laboratory conditions. Both populations were subjected to allozyme analyses covering four loci, and molecular analyses of the variable regions, the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS1 & ITS2) intervening the nuclear ribosomal genes (18S, 5.8S, 28S rDNA). The ecological characteristics of the life cycle of each population are presented, together with their genetic differences and phylogenetic relationships.