The effect of temperature on size and development in three species of benthic copepod

Summary The effect of temperature on the size and development times of three benthic cyclopoid copepods, Acanthocyclops viridis, A. vernalis and Macrocyclops albidus were investigated within the normal environmental temperature range (5°C–20°C). Adult weight decreased as temperature increased. All three species complete their development at 5°C and development times at all temperatures are presented as curvilinear logarithmic temperature functions. The duration of development decreases as temperature rises. The results are compared with those reported else-where for benthic and planktonic species and the ecological implications are discussed.