STUDIES ON AN ISLAND POPULATION OF SPHAEROMA SERRATUM (F.) (CRUSTACEA ISOPODA FLABELLIFERA)

Abstract

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS The comparative study of the populations of Sphaeroma senatum of the Isle of Capri and of Immacolatella Vecchia (Naples) has yielded the following results: 1. Sphaeroma capreae Verhoeff was not found to be a valid species and the following synonymy is therefore proposed: Sphaeroma capreae Verhoeff, 1941 = Sphaeroma senatum (Fa- bricius, 1787), n. syn. 2. As compared to the Neaples population, that of Capri showed—in our laboratory conditions—a lower fecundity, a longer period of gestation and post-embryonic development. The hybrids were found to be mostly intermediate for the same characteristics. 3. Significant differences exist in the morphology of the two populations (shape of the male pleopod II endopodite and length and curvature of appendix masculina) and in the extent of variability in colour and pattern.