in the German language Polyphemus pediculus is also called the robbery-water-flea. This is because, in contrast to most water fleas, that do some water-filtering, this robbery-water-flea actively catches its victims. First the victims are catched with the prickled legs and afterwards they are ruptured by the hook-like mandibulas. Yes, nature seems to be cruel
. I assume, that its complex-eye is extraordinary large so that it can better recognize its victims.A) Female with approx. 7 hatchlings. The hatchlings can easily be recognized by their dark, large complex eyes.
B) Same individual, after hatching out
C) In dark field especially the globe-shaped large complex-eye is very impressive.
Have fun!
