Boeckella

Boeckella is a genus of calanoid copepods belonging to the family Centropagidae. These small crustaceans are primarily found in freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, across the Southern Hemisphere.

Boeckella species are a significant component of zooplankton communities in many of their habitats, serving as a food source for fish and other aquatic predators. They are characterized by their relatively small size (typically less than 2mm), elongated body shape, and prominent antennae. Identification to the species level often requires microscopic examination of specific morphological features.

These copepods are known for their ability to tolerate a range of environmental conditions, including varying temperatures, salinities (in some cases), and nutrient levels. Some species exhibit diapause, a state of dormancy that allows them to survive unfavorable conditions, such as periods of drought or extreme cold.

The genus Boeckella has been the subject of numerous ecological and evolutionary studies. They are frequently used as model organisms for investigating topics such as competition, predation, adaptation, and the effects of environmental change on freshwater ecosystems. Variations in morphology, life history traits, and genetic diversity within the genus provide insights into the processes driving diversification and speciation in aquatic environments.