Kystodelphys drachi new genus new species, a copepod encysted in the gill of an ascidian
Kystodelphys drachi new genus new species, a copepod encysted in the gill of an ascidian
Monniot, Claude
Vie Milieu 14(2): 263-273
1963
Males and juveniles of KYSTODELPHYS drachi (the female being as yet unknown) were found in gill cavities of Microcosmus savignyi from Banyuls-sur-Mer (France) and from Naples (Italy). The systematic position is discussed at some length, comparing the characteristics with various families, and it is concluded that it is possible to place it in Notodelphyidae, but it differs from all known males of that family in behavior, ecology, and the corresponding reduction of the masticatory appendages. The cysts are formed of at least 3 cell layers belonging exclusively to the ascidian. What the future of the adult is, after leaving the cyst, is unknown.