ABSTRAKT

Observations on populations of Drepanosurus birostratus (S. Fischer, 1851), Pristicephalus josephinae (Grube, 1853), P. shadini (S. Smirnov, 1928), Lepidurus apus (Linnaeus, 1758), and Triops cancriformis (Bosc, 1803) in temporary water bodies of the Moscow region (Moscow and Vladimir oblasts) were continuously performed over ten years (1984−1993). The results showed that in the years with typical climatic conditions, temporary water bodies were more numerous, had a higher water level, and existed for longer periods of time. Corresponding populations of spring and early summer species were characterized by a longer duration of the active phase, and their representatives had greater body size and fecundity. Populations inhabiting deeper water bodies (especially those shaded by trees and shrubs) and shallower pools located in open landscapes demonstrated certain biological differences, which were attributed to different rates and degrees of water warming in their habitats. Dates of formation, existence, water level, and frequency of temporary habitats and body size and fecundity of mature crustaceans proved to depend on climatic fluctuations in spring and summer.