Abstract
Cladocerans are a diverse group of species that show rapid responses to changes in environmental conditions. This adaptive capacity has important implications for egg production and life cycle, especially in transitory environments such as temporary waterbodies. The present study investigated the life history and egg production of Alona gutatta Sars, 1862 (Crustacea, Cladocera), an abundant and frequent species from a high-altitude temporary pond (Lagoa Seca, Minas Gerais, Brazil). Newly hatched neonates were monitored in relation to time of maturation, number of eggs produced per female and time of survival. Neonates required a mean of 8 days to mature. A. guttata survived for a mean of 30.9 ± 8.1 days and produced 2 eggs per brood, generating a mean of 10.95 ± 6.41 neonates during the entire life cycle. The rapid development, short time to produce eggs and long life cycle are important adaptations to the adverse environmental conditions of temporary aquatic environments, which can contribute to the rapid colonization of Alona guttata in transitory ecosystems.
Highlights
Temporary ponds are highly variable environments, since they remain completely dry for long periods until they fill with the arrival of the rainy season
In the present study we examined aspects of the life history and egg production of Alona guttata Sars, 1862 (Chydoridae), a common and abundant species often found in small highaltitude ponds in Brazil (Santos-Wisniewski et al, 2002; Eskinazi-Sant’Anna and Pace, 2018)
The present results showed that A. guttata (Figure 2) produced fewer eggs per female than other cladoceran species such as Ceriodaphnia and Moina, which have a mean of 9 and 4 eggs per brood, respectively (Fonseca and Rocha, 2004)
Summary
Temporary ponds are highly variable environments, since they remain completely dry for long periods until they fill with the arrival of the rainy season. In the present study we examined aspects of the life history and egg production of Alona guttata Sars, 1862 (Chydoridae), a common and abundant species often found in small highaltitude ponds in Brazil (Santos-Wisniewski et al, 2002; Eskinazi-Sant’Anna and Pace, 2018). The neonates were observed daily under a stereomicroscope in order to determine the maturation time, number of eggs produced per female, and growth (estimated as body size).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
