Graeteriella unisetigera may habitually resemble species of the copepod order Harpacticoida. It is very small and may occur in high numbers in small nutrient rich ponds early in spring.

Key characteristics

Like Speocyclops sp., Graeteriella unisetigera may also habitually resemble species of the copepod order Harpacticoida. Its body is both rectangular and the first antenna is very short, attaining the length of half the cephalic segment. Its furca is short and the analoperculum is peculiar, protruding in between the two branches of the furca. One of the central setae attached to the end of the furca is especially long and strong.

Female: Length unknown

Male: Length unknown

Ecology and distribution

G. unisetigera is a littoral species which has been found in a limited number of localities east of Oslo. The majority of these are artificial wetland ponds constructed in a culture landscape and are characterized by high contents of nitrogen and phosphorous. G. unisetigera is mainly found in May when it may occur in quite high numbers. In central Europe it is common in ground-water.

Look alikes

Harpacticoida