Larvae of Rhizocephalans with a Kentrogonid Type of Development and their Significance in the Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Parasitic Crustaceans

Abstract

This review is devoted to the pelagic larvae of rhizocephalan crustaceans with a kentrogonid type of development (Thecostraca: Cirripedia: Rhizocephala). These barnacles have undergone such a significant reduction of adult stages connected with the parasitic lifestyle that only the presence of a nauplius larva in their development indicates that this unique group belongs to crustaceans. The main attention is paid to the morphological characters of the larvae that can be used in the taxonomy and phylogeny of Rhizocephala. The differences between the larvae of peltogastrid and sacculinid types are discussed. The sexual dimorphism of cyprids associated with different functions of male and female larvae is analyzed.