lucayensis from the Bahamas (after Hobbs, 2000; total length 19.8 mm); b. cyclopoid copepod (d) Kieferiella delamarei from France (after Hobbs, 2000; length 740 µm); c. harpacticoid copepod (d) Novocrinia trifida from Belize (after Huys and Iliffe, 1998; length 505 µm); d. thaumatocyprid ostracod (1) Danielopolina wilkensi from the Canary Islands (after Kornicker and Iliffe, 1995; length 0.41 mm).

doi:10.4324/9780203483855-119

Chapter

lucayensis from the Bahamas (after Hobbs, 2000; total length 19.8 mm); b. cyclopoid copepod (d) Kieferiella delamarei from France (after Hobbs, 2000; length 740 µm); c. harpacticoid copepod (d) Novocrinia trifida from Belize (after Huys and Iliffe, 1998; length 505 µm); d. thaumatocyprid ostracod (1) Danielopolina wilkensi from the Canary Islands (after Kornicker and Iliffe, 1995; length 0.41 mm).

Chapter

ABSTRACT

Class Copepoda (See also Crustacea: Copepoda.) Copepods are a large and diverse group of crustaceans, and are the dominant forms of marine plankton. Presently, more than 14000 species are placed in approximately 2300 genera in 210 families, yet the majority of subterranean species are placed in the following six orders: Platycopioida and Misophrioida (occur in anchialine habitats), Gelyelloida (found in caves in France and Switzerland), Calanoida, Cyclopoida, and Harpacticoida. Stygobitic species originated from surface, marine, and freshwater ancestors and reached different groundwater habitats mostly through interstitial and crevicular or karst routes.