The life history of Chirocephalus kerkyrensis Pesta (Crustacea: Anostraca) in temporary waters of Circeo National Park (Latium,Italy)

The life cycle of Chirocephalus kerkyrensis, a typicalspecies of the Mediterranean plain forest, was studied in thefield during 1990/91 and 1991/92.Temperature, and its variation, was the major factor affectinglife history. Marked, sudden temperature fluctuations resultedin depressed growth and longevity. Fertility was positivelycorrelated (P<0.001) with female body length. Nodecline in egg production was observed at the end of life, incontrast to other species. Hatching was observed after a longdrought followed by alternating wet and dry phases. Laboratorytests on hatching gave contrasting results and showed thatdrying is not obligatory. Cysts stored in 100% relativehumidity gave higher numbers of nauplii after a shorter timethan dried ones, at all temperatures tested.