Rhizocephala
Rhizocephala is an order of parasitic crustaceans within the class Maxillopoda, subclass Thecostraca. These organisms are primarily known for their unique and highly specialized parasitic relationship with other crustaceans, particularly decapods such as crabs and lobsters. Rhizocephalans are characterized by their complex life cycle and highly altered body form, which lacks the typical crustacean features like appendages or a segmented exoskeleton in the mature reproductive stage.
The life cycle begins with a free-swimming nauplius larva that develops into a primary infective stage called
Rhizocephalans are notable for their ability to induce significant morphological and behavioral changes in their hosts.
Throughout history, rhizocephalans have been of interest both for their biological complexity and for their potential