ANTENNULES OF THE MALE OF PARACYCLOPS (COPEPODA): FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN SYSTEMATICS

Abstract

Comparison of the antennulary setation patterns of adult males of species of Paracyclops revealed a common setation pattern shared with antennules of adult males of other genera of Cyclopidae. The importance of correctly identifying individual setal elements is stressed. For example, there are 2 modified setae on the first segment of P. poppei, I of which is homologous with the modified seta of other species of Paracyclops, and the other is unique to P. poppei. The characteristic shape of antennulary setae and aesthetascs is important in defining the subfamilies Eucyclopinae and Cyclopinae of the Cyclopidae. It is confirmed that there is a maximum of 1 aesthetasc on the first segment of the male antennules of Paracyclops.