On the taxonomy of theDaphnia hyalina-galeata complex (Crustacea: Cladocera)

Populations of theDaphnia hyalina-galeata complex from Central, North and South Europe have been compared morphologically. The main purpose of this investigation is delimitation of the critical speciesDaphnia galeata, based on a thorough examination of the original materials from G. O. Sars' collection, and taking into account hitherto overlooked or insufficiently appreciated characters. According to their morphology and ecology,Daphnia hyalina, Daphnia galeata andDaphnia cucullata have to be treated taxonomically as separate species. In view of the short and high antennula mound and other morphological characteristics,Daphnia gracilis Hellich andDaphnia hyalina lacustris sensu Lilljeborg belong to the speciesDaphnia galeata. In the common range ofDaphnia galeata andDaphnia cacullata there occurs quite frequently an intermediary form, which according to genetic evidence is a hybrid of these two species. Although apparently this hybrid form is stabilized genetically to a large extent and is capable of identical reproduction, it should not be considered as a species in the usual sense.The present work intends to put the notoriously confused systematics of theDaphnia hyalina-galeata complex on a firm basis. It concludes with a key, which should enable also non-specialists to identify uniquely the three species and the hybrid form in question.