Mating behaviour of the groundwater copepod Parastenocaris phyllura Kiefer, 1938 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida)

In the course of a cohort study of Parastenocaris phyllura several matings were observed under a microscope and recorded on video. In Parastenocaris phyllura no “precopulatory mate guarding” was found. Each mating behaviour comprises three phases and lasts for about 15 minutes, during which time the male actively moves its antennulae and antennae, pereiopods 1, 2, 3, 4, and furcal rami. The female is held in a characteristic position by the male and is entirely passive during the process.