Life cycle and ecology of canthocamptus staphylinoides pearse (Harpacticoida) from nearshore sediments of a mesotrophic lake in New York

Few freshwater studies include meiofauna, especially in nearshore zones most affected by human activities. Consequently, we understand little of their ecological role in lake ecosystems. In Otsego Lake (NY), biweekly samples were collected at a single site in knee-deep water from December 2003 to determine life history characteristics and trophic position of the only harpacticoid species encountered at this site, and only 1 of 2 species encountered in the lake, Canthocamptus staphylinoides Pearse. All stages of C. staphylinoides were identified, sexed and measured. Other samples were collected for diet information via fecal pellet analysis. Females begin carrying eggs in December (about 27 eggs per individual). Nauplii dominate numbers in March with development to copepodid stages lasting about 30 days. Copepodids are present for about 30-40 days. Adults (C-VI) remain active for about 60 days, then either die or encyst, becoming active again in September. Diets consisted of unidentifiable detritus. No diatoms were observed. Harpacticoids were not found in tessellated darters stomachs, the most common benthic-feeding vertebrate at the site. Large-bodied invertebrate predators were absent. Harpacticoids may represent a trophic dead-end at this site or be important in a benthic microbial loop food web.