Predatory-cladoceran
Guides
Polyphemus pediculus
Polyphemus pediculus is a predatory freshwater cladoceran crustacean in the family Polyphemidae. It is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere but exhibits significant genetic structuring, representing at least nine largely allopatric cryptic species rather than a truly cosmopolitan population. The species displays complex reproductive behavior involving both parthenogenetic and gamogenetic (sexual) phases, with pronounced seasonal and daily rhythms in swarming activity.