A seasonal dynamics of Triops cancriformis (Bosc, 1801) (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) in the Banat province in Yugoslavia

Abstract

At the territory of Banat province, in the southern part of the Pannonian Plain, about 100 kilometers north of Belgrade, the appearance and seasonal dynamics of a bisexual population of Triops cancriformis over the period 1991-1995 was observed. A population of T. cancriformis appears regularly, i. e. every year when ephemeral ponds are formed. Hatching takes place between the beginning of March and the beginning of April when average temperature varies between 7 and 10 oC. Sexual maturity is reached after one month. A life span of two months is registered. During one year, several generations may appear at one month intervals, i. e. when sexual maturity of a previous one is reached. Up to three generations may be present simultaneously. Males are present during the whole season. They make 15-40 % of the population.