Scanning electron microscope study of the modified spine characteristic for males of some Tisbe (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) species

The scanning electron microscope proved to be an ideal instrument for examining the species-specific spine (on the endopodite basal segment of male P2) in the group of sibling species Tisbe holothuriae, T. pontina and T. battagliai. Three other species: T. gracilis, T. cucumariae and T. biminiensis belonging to the gracilis group are included in the present study. A possible functional significance of the spine is discussed.