The role of photoperiod and temperature in the induction and termination of an arrested development in two species of freshwater cyclopia copepods

Abstract
Daylength and temperature were shown to be environmental cues which interact to cause an arrest in development at the fourth copepodite instar of two cohabiting, temporary pond species of the genus Diacyclops; D. navus Herrick, and a second species of uncertain specific designation. The first species entered arrest under short-day conditions, the latter under long days. Arrest did not occur in rearings conducted in either continuous light or complete darkness. Cyclopids were sensitive to the photoperiodic stimulus only during the first copepodite instar. Temperature was shown to affect the critical daylength values associated with a transition from a long-day to a short-day response for each species.Similarities with insect diapause and the ecological implications of the response are discussed.

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