The Life History of Branchiura sowerbyi

The life history of Branchiura sowerbyi was studied at three locations in north-central Oklahoma. Branchiura can have a 1-year or a 2-year life cycle depending upon local conditions of the habitat. Most environmental factors except temperature and oxygen apparently do not influence the life history of Branchiura. Breeding was confined to the warmer months, March through September. It appears that the organic content of the substrate has an important influence on the life cycle. In Skeleton Creek, which had the richest substrate, Branchiura had an annual life cycle. In Otter Creek and Boomer Lake, Branchiura had a 2-year life cycle. Apparently, Branchiura is able to adapt its life cycle to local environmental conditions which would account for its wide distribution.