Sexually-manifested variations in pigmentation of Boeckella poppei (Copepoda, Calanoida) from Livingston Island (Maritime Antarctica)

Antarctic environments are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that often detrimental their biota. Recent studies suggest the genus Boeckella (Copepoda, Calanoida) has a level plasticity in terms its reaction UVR, which enables wide distribution various water bodies Antarctica. poppei is common freshwater habitats all three main biogeographic regions Antarctica: sub-Antarctic islands, maritime and continental. We present for first time specific photoprotective response populations B. from Livingston Island, Maritime In non-ovigerous females males, we observed uniform carotenoids body, while these pigments were almost entirely concentrated ovisacs mature females. consider this as means progeny protection teratogenic influence UVR environments. Unequivocally, such adaptation would facilitate expansion on continent through colonisation survival shallow habitats. Given environment dynamically changing over past decades accelerated retreat permanent ice cover premise formation ponds, could be suitable indicator reflecting ongoing global environmental changes