Postembryonic development of Amenophia orientalis (Copepoda, Harpacticoida), with a review of thalestridomorph development

Symbiosis is an evolutionary trend in several phylogenetic clades of the taxonomically and functionally diverse Copepoda. However, little attention has been paid to associated and parasitic taxa that infest macroalgae. Harmful effects of phytal harpacticoids that are borers or produce galls, have been reported for several species of wild and farmed macroalgae. Besides being food for human consumption, marine macroalgae provide promising products for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and biomass for the production of biofuel. A study of their consumers and parasites is, therefore, of great significance for fundamental marine ecology, as well as for their mass production in mariculture. We describe here the naupliar and copepodid stages of Amenophia orientalis, with illustrations of naupliar stages 11-1V and copepodid stages II-V. Postembryonic characters of the naupliar and copepodid phases of development are discussed in the context of phylogenetic relationships among the Thalestridae. Remarks are provided on the ecology of the species.