Key to Copepoda

Abstract

This chapter covers the dichotomous-pictorial key for genera and species identification of planktonic Copepoda (Calanoida, Cyclopoida) reported from Europe. Here, we provide separate male and female keys to the calanoid copepods, for both, the genera and species levels. We attempted to use autapomorphic characters and, whenever possible, almost a single character to distinguish between similar species, in an easy pictorial way, avoiding long verbal descriptions equipped with scientific jargon. Keys to families, genera and species are arranged into plates with an easy-to-use pictorial guide.