Introduction of new diagnostic characters in Mesocyclops, with african species as an example

Van de Velde I. ¹ 1984
Crustaceana, Studies on Copepoda II, supp. 7: 404-419

ABSTRACT

Extensive information, relevant to taxonomy, was found to be present on the basipodite of the antenane (A2) in Mesocyclops. Distinctive patterns could be distinguished in the occurrence of groups of spines and teeth on the basipodite. They provide a basis for identifying species, and, within tyhe genus, a basic pattern appears to be common to all species.
As an example, African representatives of Mesocyclops, from about 200 localities spread all over the African continent, have been revised. Besides the structure of the antennae, other morphological characters were also used. Eleven species and one subspecies are recognized. In addition, some non-African Mesocyclops species are briefly treated, and interbreeding experiments performed on African and European populations are discussed.