The larval development of an Australian limnadiid clam shrimp (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Spinicaudata), and a comparison with other Limnadiidae

Abstract

The adult morphology of the Australian Limnadopsis shows some remarkable differences to that of other Limnadiidae. These differences are not reflected in its larval development. In Limnadopsis parvispinus, larval development comprises six stages. In stages I and II only the three naupliar appendages are present: the antennule as a small bud, the biramous antenna as the main swimming organ, and the mandible. The antennal protopod bears two endites, the proximal naupliar process and a more distal endite. In stage III a bifid naupliar process (in earlier stages not bifid) and the first signs of the carapace and trunk limb anlagen (undifferentiated rudiments) appear. In stage IV the carapace anlagen become more pronounced. The number of trunk limb anlagens increases to five, and differentiation has commenced. In stage V the first five pairs of trunk limbs are differentiated to varying degrees. The anterior-most four pairs of trunk limbs are subdivided into five endites, a small endopod, an exopod and an epipod. The bivalved carapace covers the anterior-most limbs. In larval stage VI the carapace is larger and the trunk limbs are further differentiated. A general pattern in the sequence of larval stages is the increasing number of sensilla on the antennules. From the last larval to the first postlarval stage, a significant change in morphology takes place. The trunk limbs are now used for swimming. Typical larval organs are much smaller than in the last larval stage. A comparison with other representatives of the Limnadiidae shows a high degree of correspondence, with most differences explained by the heterochronous appearance of characters during development. Five to seven stages are described for all studied Limnadiidae, including one particular stage in which four fully developed setae, a bifid naupliar process and the first signs of carapace anlagen are present. These characters are found in stage III in L. parvispinus, Limnadia stanleyana, Eulimnadia texana, and Imnadia yeyetta but in stage IV in E. braueriana and L. lenticularis. Based on a comparison of the larval stages of six limnadiid and one cyzicid species, we conclude that at least six naupliar stages belong to the limnadiid ground pattern.