Ontogenetic changes in the carapace shape of the non-marine ostracod Eucypris virens (Jurine)

Developmental changes in carapace form (size+shape) during ontogeny have been explored in Eucypris virens (Crustacea, Ostracoda) using elliptic Fourier analysis. Clones from different geographic localities raised under controlled constant conditions (temperature and photoperiod) were used to characterize developmental pathways in the species. A larger data set including field populations and laboratory populations cultured under a range of environmental conditions were used to infer influence of environmental factors on carapace shape changes during ontogeny. Size changes between consecutive juvenile stages support empirical laws describing the doubling of ostracod volume at each moult. Ontogenetic changes point out the remarkable influence of environmental conditions on carapace shape.