Characteristics of the reproductive cycles and development times of Copidodiaptomus numidicus (Copepoda: Calanoida) and Acanthocyclops robustus (Copepoda: Cyclopoida)

Abstract

The female reproductive cycles of the calanoid copepod Copidodiaptomus numidicus and the cyclopoid Acanthocyclops robustus were characterized by periodic changes in the oviducts. Females oscillated between a gravid and a non-gravid condition, and the whole cycle was strongly dependent on temperature. In both species, the maturation of new oocytes took place when the old egg sacs were still being carried, thus ensuring a rapid clutch succession. The embryonic and post- embryonic development duration of C.numidicus and A.robustus was investigated at five and four different temperatures, respectively. Embryonic development time was related to oviductal cycle duration at each temperature to estimate the minimum amount of non-ovigerous females expected under non-limiting mate and food conditions. Copidodiaptomus numidicus females spent 35-19% of the cycle without carrying eggs at 7-20°C. Acanthocyclops robustus females spent 31-33% of the cycle without carrying eggs at the same temperature interval. Both naupliar and copepodid durations were inverse functions of temperature with nauplii developing at a faster rate than copepodids. In general, A.robustus showed reproductive advantage over C.numidicus due to a faster oviductal cycle and shorter embryonic and post-embryonic development times. However, the influence of food quality may be crucial. Acanthocyclops robustus copepodid development time may lengthen well beyond the corresponding development stages of C.numidicus when growing only on algae. This retardation of development affects especially the later development stages of the cyclopoid.