Morphological Variability of Kellicottia bostoniensis (Rousselet, 1908) (Rotifera: Brachionidae) in Waterbodies of European Russia

Abstract

A morphological analysis of the populations of rotifer Kellicottia bostoniensis (Rousselet, 1908) from 23 waterbodies in European Russia has been made. It is shown that the length of the posterior spine is the most variable character; the length of the lorica is the least variable one. There is a positive correlation between the length of anterior and posterior spines. The length of spines increases with an increase in lorica length. The sizes of rotifers differ in waterbodies with different trophic statuses, depths, and pH values. The body size of K. bostoniensis is larger in mesotrophic, acid, and deep waterbodies.