Confusing Invader: Acanthocyclops americanus (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) and Its Biological, Anthropogenic and Climate-Dependent Mechanisms of Rapid Distribution in Eurasia

Acanthocyclops americanus (Marsh, 1892), first described in Wisconsin (USA), was discovered shortly thereafter Great Britain and then widely distributed the Palearctic. Its current range includes Europe, North Africa, western central Siberia with largest number of findings along migration tracks aquatic birds. Until recently, northern border 60th parallel, but last decade it has expanded further into Arctic. The most rapid expansion its Europe happened middle century, which partially hidden from scientists due to a taxonomic mistake caused by merging name native Palearctic form robustus (Sars, 1863). This problem solved only recently help molecular genetic tools, allowing return study biological, anthropogenic possible climate-dependent mechanisms successful invasion A. paper, detailed description life cycle parameters, adaptive behavior nauplii population dynamics compared those two other species (Acanthocyclops vernalis robustus), provides history biological Special attention is paid mechanism north far east Asia. introduction A.americanus small lakes resulted dominance this summer plankton. In many high-trophic reservoirs Belgium, France Spain, as well newly built become representative crustacean zooplankton warm season. led significant transformation trophic webs these reservoirs. dispersal invasive species, demonstrated can make difficult, some cases even impossible historical reasons for formation fauna invertebrates associated such events including movement continents evolution Tethys Sea.