Postembryonic development of nonmarine ostracod Chlamydotheca arcuata (Sars, 1901) (Crustacea: Ostracoda), reared in the laboratory

Abstract

We describe here 8 instars (from A-8 through A-1) of the postembryonic development of the CyprididaeChlamydothecaarcuata(Sars, 1901) from hatching to sexually mature individuals. To study the development of this species, cultures of adultparthenogenetic female specimens were established and maintained in the laboratory. The ostracod specimens were collected fromtemporary ponds and streams in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. This report provides a description of the chaetotaxy of each limbalong with detailed illustrations. Photographs of eggs and carapaces were taken using scanning electron microscopy. The completedevelopment ofChlamydotheca arcuatalasted between 80 and 90 days. In the first instars, the active swimmers are characterized bycarapaces that have a greater height in front of the first half of the maximum length and taper toward the rear end to become pointed.The appearance and numbers of the sensory setae on the carapace increase in the latest instars.