Comparative study on the resting eggs of several Anostracans (Crustacea). Key for the determination of the species based upon the egg structure and diameter

Abstract

Abstract The egg size and the external egg morphology in fourteen species of anostracans were described. In the Branchinectidae species studied two basic patterns in the external layer were distinguished. In Thamnocephalidae: Dendrocepha‐lus cervicornis and D. brasiliensis differ in the shape of cells, size, length and thickness of the ridges. In Chirocephalidae: Phallocryptus salinicola differs from other genera. The combined analysis of the diameter and the morphology of the outer covering constitutes a very useful methodology for the determination of genera and species. Using the mentioned characteristics it has been possible to elaborate a key for the identification of these species.