Copepodid development of Tegastes falcatus (Norman, 1868) (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Tegastidae) with a discussion of the male genital somite

Abstract

ABSTRACT The lateral face of the cephalosome deepens progressively during the six stages of copepodid development of Tegastes falcatus. A simple aesthetasc on the second from the proximal segment of the antennule is transformed into a bifurcate aesthetasc during the molt to copepodid II. Copepodids II–VI bear eight setae on the caudal ramus, a number unique to copepods. Formation of the arthrodial membrane separating the middle segment and distal complex of the endopod of swimming legs 2–4 is delayed until CVI, one stage later than the exopod. Gender dimorphism initially is observed in antennular segmentation, setation of the maxilliped and rami present on leg 5 at copepodid IV. At copepodid V, males and females differ in antennular segmentation, rami present on leg 5 and the shape of leg 6. Gender dimorphism at copepodid VI also includes the shape of the cephalosome, of the genital triple-somite complex, and of one seta on the caudal ramus. The morphology of the ventral attenuation of the sixth and seven...