Mating and Multiple Clutches in Australian Boeckella and Calamoecia (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Experiments were performed with Australian centropagid calanoid copepods of Boeckella and Calamoecia to test the hypotheses that species in these genera are capable of producing multiple clutches with one insemination and that successful mating occurs at all stages of the female's ovigerous cycle. The second hypothesis was also tested by an examination of natural populations; spermatophore placement on gravid and nongravid females was scored. Both hypotheses were confirmed. Egg development times and patterns of resting egg hatching were examined under laboratory conditions for up to 100 d. These characteristics and patterns of egg development and resting egg production may result from selection for highly variable and unpredictable environments that existed in Australia before human intervention.