Cyclops (genus)
Cyclops ( Cyclops )
The copepods ( Cyclops ) are a genus of copepods ( Copepoda ). The name " Cyclops " is derived from the Cyclops of Greek mythology, as the animals also possess only a single large eye.
Features
The copepods are 0.5-1 mm long. They are divided clearly into two body sections. The wide oval front part is made up of the head and the first five thoracic segments. The rump is significantly slimmer. It consists of the narrow sixth thoracic and four legless abdomen segments and bears at the end of two abdomen attachments. The long first antennae are transformed with the smaller males grasping organs, with which the females are held during mating. The females attach their eggs after laying firmly into two sacs on the body.
Way of life
Locomotion
The trivial name " Cyclops " is due to the locomotion of the animals. The first antennas beat jerkily back and let the animal by the recoil forward fast. Then it slides back a little to " bounce " back to the front to.
Food
The copepods live on small parts of plants, animals, or carrion.
Occurrence
The copepods are used worldwide in fresh water, rarely in brackish water before. They live in the riparian zones rich plant standing and flowing waters weak. In the stagnant waters of Central Europe about 20 species are represented. All over Europe come over 100, more than 400 species. Unfavourable living conditions they can survive in a slime coat, which is made of special skin glands. This cyst formation allows the colonization of smaller waters that are affected by regular dehydration. Even in lanes and tree holes occur some copepods.
These little creatures are found in aquariums. They are usually introduced with plants.
Epidemiological significance
Copepods play in the distribution regions of Guinea worm larvae as hosts for its decisive role in its dissemination and the emergence of dracunculiasis in humans but also in other mammals, especially the house dog. The most important preventive measure consists in filtering the drinking water.