Female-based characters for anostracan (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) identification: a key for species of California and Oregon, USA

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

D. Christopher Rogers

Source:

Hydrobiologia, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Volume 486, Issue 1, p.125–132 (2002)

Call Number:

A02ROG03IDUS

Keywords:

amplexial groove, Branchinecta, fairy shrimp, Streptocephalus

Abstract:

Anostracan identification keys and descriptions tend to focus on characteristics of males, specifically on structures associated with the second antennae, which are modified to amplex the female prior to mating. Many female anostracans have an amplexial groove with which to receive the male’s second antennae. The amplexial groove, dorsal ornamentation, and the form of the brood pouch have characteristics that can be used in species identification. To demonstrate this, and to aid in surveys for rare, threatened, and endangered forms, a female based identification key for anostracan species known to occur in California and Oregon is presented.