The post-embryonic development of Remipedia (Crustacea)--additional results and new insights.
The post-embryonic development of a species of the enigmatic crustacean group Remipedia is described in detail for the first time under various aspects. Applying a molecular approach, we can clearly prove the species identity of the larvae as belonging to Pleomothra apletocheles. We document the cellular level of several larval stages and the differentiation of segments, limbs, and the general body morphology applying the techniques of confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, we document the swimming behavior and the peculiar movements of the naupliar appendages. A comparison of our results with published data on other Crustacea and their larval development tentatively supports ideas about phylogenetic affinities of the Remipedia to the Malacostraca.
Koenemann
Stefan
S
Institute for Animal Ecology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17d, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
Olesen
Jørgen
J
Alwes
Frederike
F
Iliffe
Thomas M
TM
Hoenemann
Mario
M
Ungerer
Petra
P
Wolff
Carsten
C
Scholtz
Gerhard
G
D000818:Animals; D001444:Bahamas; D003445:Crustacea / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D007814:Larva / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA