Streptocephalus mackini

Irving P.
Mar 4, 2023
1 min read

Updated: Aug 31

Taxonomy and Classification

• Phylum: Arthropoda

• Class: Branchiopoda

• Order: Anostraca

• Family: Streptocephalidae

• Genus: Streptocephalus

• Species: S. mackini

• Authority: Moore, 1966

Streptocephalus mackini, commonly known as the Chihuahuan Desert fairy shrimp, belongs to the family Streptocephalidae. This species can be found in a diverse range of habitats, including ephemeral pools, predominantly during warmer seasons of the year. It can be frequently observed in southern, western, and Midwest regions of North America shown below.

The characteristics outlined below may exhibit variations influenced by environmental conditions, population dynamics, and the organism's age.

IDENTIFIABLE TRAITS OF THIS SPECIES

Male Second Antenna:

In Streptocephalus, species-level identification is primarily based on the morphological differentiation of the male second antennae, which function as clasping organs during copulation. These antennae exhibit species-specific variation in structure, including differences in segmentation, curvature, presence of distal lobes, spines, and frontal appendages. The configuration of these features is highly conserved within species and serves as a reliable diagnostic character in taxonomic keys.