Comparative descriptive study of the early larval and cypris stages of Chilean balanomorphs

Abstract

?Comparative descriptive study of the early larval and cypris stages of Chilean balanomorphs?

The first nauplios phases of chilean species are described; Balanus (Megabalanus) psittacus (Molina, 1782), Balanus (Austrobalanus) flosculus Darwin, 1854, and Elmintus kingi Gray, 1831 (Cirripedia, Balanidae). On the basis of laboratory test, started on adult specimens collected at Estero Chope (11°48?S; 73°05?W), and at the estuary of river Contaco (40°34?S; 73°37?W), the general structure of the body, caudal and abdominal processes, mouth cone and appendages, setation are described comparatively in terms of number, disposition and type of setae, so as to obtain the intra and inter specific differentiating characters. Morphological features which ensure a quick identification of all the phases at group level are also established. A description of the cypris of Balanus psittacus, detailing cirrus structure, adhesive antennae, etc., is included.