The Genus Heterocope Sars 1863 (Copepoda, Calanoida) in Russia: Morphology and Distribution

The article presents a comparative description of previously unknown morphological features of species of the genus Heterocope Sars 1863 inhabiting the territory of Russia. Using the SEM capabilities, the genital plate, structure, and of the P5 armament for the Heterocope soldatovi Rylov 1922 female and male and the genital plate of Heterocope saliens (Lilljeborg 1863) were described in detail. For the first time, information on the oral appendages of these species is presented. A comparative analysis of the morphological and morphometric differences between females and males of different Heterocope species was carried out, and a general identification table was compiled. Based on modern data, the boundaries of species ranges were specified.