Congruent patterns of lineage diversity in two species complexes of planktonic crustaceans, Daphnia longispina (Cladocera) and Eucyclops serrulatus (Copepoda), in East European mountain lakes

Abstract

Cladocerans and copepods are globally important freshwater zooplankton groups, differing in reproductive modes and dispersal abilities. We compared genetic variation of two common taxa of these crustaceans, the Daphnia longispina species complex (known to harbour multiple cryptic lineages) and Eucyclops serrulatus (morphologically and ecologically variable morphospecies), in lakes of ten Eastern European mountain ranges.

Keywords

• colonization patterns
• cryptic species
• dispersal abilities
• zooplankton