On the occurrence of Phallocryptus spinosus (Milne-Edwards, 1840) in Sicily (Crustacea, Branchiopoda)

Abstract

The distribution, status, and phenology of the anostracan Phallocryptus spinosus in Sicily are described. The only population of the species to date known to occur with certainty on the island inhabits a few temporary water bodies located within the Natura2000 site “ITA010006 - Paludi di Capo Feto e Margi Spanò”. In these sites, the species co-occurs with an interesting halophilous flora and crustacean fauna. Based on available data, the concentration of dissolved salts in the water bodies seems to be the main driver of the life histories of the co-existing populations of the anostracans Artemia salina and Phallocryptus spinosus.