Limnetica 33

In this study, characteristics of the biology of the spinicaudatan Cyzicus grubei were determined from a population in a temporary pond in the south-western Iberian Peninsula from January 2011 to July 2011. The results indicated the existence of a single cohort for the duration of the flooding period. Non-ovigerous females and males were present in the pond throughout the study period. However, ovigerous females were present from mid-April to early July. Males had valves significantly larger and higher than females. The relationship between the valve length and the valve height showed positive allometry in males and negative allometry in females and the whole population (mature and immature individuals). The smallest mature male was 8.13 mm in valve length, whereas the smallest ovigerous female was 8.21 mm in valve length. Females outnumbered males in winter and early spring, and males were more abundant in late spring and early summer. The mean number of eggs on ovigerous females was 574.74 ± 245.29, ranging from 241 to 1068 eggs/female. The number of eggs was linearly correlated with the valve length of the female.