''Cyclops strenuus'' (Fisher) is a common species of

copepod Copepods (; meaning "oar-feet") are a group of small crustaceans found in nearly every freshwater and saltwater habitat (ecology), habitat. Some species are planktonic (inhabiting sea waters), some are benthos, benthic (living on the ocean floor) ...

in small water bodies in central Europe. The life-cycle of ''C. strenuus'' varies depending on habitat type and climate. In some habitat year round reproduction occurs. While in others one or two distinct generations exist with summer

diapause In animal dormancy, diapause is the delay in development in response to regular and recurring periods of adverse environmental conditions.Tauber, M.J., Tauber, C.A., Masaki, S. (1986) ''Seasonal Adaptations of Insects''. Oxford University Press It ...

. During diapause copepodid IV resting stages are produced that are largely inactive. These resting stages can survive in mud, to survive dry summer periods. During autumn, with a change in environmental conditions, resting stages become more active again and develop further into adult copepods.

Ecology

''Cyclops strenuus'' occurs in temperate habitats. Normal activity occurs between 3 and 21 °C and temperatures above 26 °C are actively avoided. It is also a common intermediate host of

cestode Cestoda is a class of parasitic worms in the flatworm phylum (Platyhelminthes). Most of the species—and the best-known—are those in the subclass Eucestoda; they are ribbon-like worms as adults, known as tapeworms. Their bodies consist of man ...

parasites, such as ''

Schistocephalus solidus ''Schistocephalus solidus'' is a tapeworm of fish, fish-eating birds and rodents. This hermaphroditic parasite belongs to the Eucestoda subclass, of class Cestoda. This species has been used to demonstrate that cross-fertilization produces a high ...

''. When infected with this parasite reproduction of female ''C. strenuus'' is significantly reduced

References

Fauna of Europe Copepods {{copepod-stub