Influence of temperature on hatching of eggs of Lepidurus couesii (Crustacea, Notostraca)

Abstract

Tadpole shrimps (Notostraca) occur sporadically in temporary ponds and their survival there depends largely upon the drought-resistant eggs they produce. Environmental conditions conducive to hatching of eggs ofLepidurus couesii were investigated in the laboratory. Almost all eggs hatched best at 20 °C, whether desiccated for a short or long period, with a prior freezing shock or without such a shock, with intact shells. Eggs that endured a longer period of desiccation and eggs with abraded shells displayed a more equivocal response to different temperatures for hatching. Long-term hatchability of eggs was demonstrated. Time required for successful hatching was shortest at 20 °C, with no discernible difference between 17 °C and 25 °C. Both short- and long-term survival of populations of the species appears to be fostered by the adaptive response to temperature shown by the eggs.