haargroeicyclus
Haargroeicyclus is a genus of freshwater copepods distinguished by a distinctive fringe of hair-like setae that forms circular, concentric arrangements along the body's lateral margins. Described in 2023, it is currently monotypic, containing the single species Haargroeicyclus curvatus. The genus was established by Lin and Souza based on specimens collected from shallow wetlands in the Lower Paraná River basin, Brazil. The name combines roots referring to hair-like structures (haars/haar in related languages), growth, and cycle, reflecting the observed patterned ornamentation on the exoskeleton.
Description and morphology: Adults measure about 0.8 to 1.2 millimeters in length. The body is dorsoventrally
Habitat and distribution: Haargroeicyclus curvatus has been found in the littoral and sublittoral zones of lentic
Ecology and life history: The species is believed to be omnivorous, feeding on algal microfloras and associated
Significance and outlook: The distinct morphological pattern of hair-like setae makes Haargroeicyclus curvatus a useful model