Morphological analysis of larval stages of Temora stylifera (Copepoda, Calanoida) from the Mediterranean Sea

Temora stylifera (Copepoda, Calanoida) was reared in the laboratory from nauplius stage I to adult, at 20[degrees]C with a saturating food concentration of the microflagellate Isochrysis galbana. Animals reached adulthood in 19 days. A complete description of the body morphology of nauplii, copepodids and adults, including their mouthparts and swimming legs, is given using both classical light microscope techniques and fluorescence confocal microscopy. This is the first complete description of the larval stages of T.stylifera, an important step to understanding the population dynamics of this common warm-temperate species.