Swarmings of Moina micrura Kurz, 1874 (Cladocera: Crustacea) in a semi-arid Brazilian temporary pool

Abstract

Temporary aquatic environments are dependent on the rainfall distribution and form after extended periods of drought. The occurrence of groups of the cladoceran Moina micrura Kurz, 1874 was recorded in a temporary pool studied is located in the municipality of Monte Alegre de Sergipe, Sergipe State, Brazil. The mean abundance for each group was of 2,670 ± 2,089 individuals. Compared to other studies, we found a higher numbers of males (26 ± 6 individuals) and of ephippial females (30 ± 20 individuals). Therefore, the presence of males and ephippial females points to reproductive function of these groups, due to the dryness processes of these small pools.