Are all copepods the same? Variation in copepod stoichiometry with taxonomy, ontogeny, latitude, and habitat

Copepods are the most abundant metazoans on Earth, driving cycles of key elements in aquatic systems, most prominently carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). One key factor determining nutrient cycling is copepod somatic stoichiometry, which can reflect ecological strategy. We conducted a systematic review that updates the seminal work of Bamstedt (1986) by summarizing the effects of latitude, habitat, life history stage, and taxonomy on C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios of field-collected copepods. We found that differences among copepod families accounted for the greatest variation, with the Rhincalanidae and Diaptomidae being particularly C-rich, while the Calanidae were more N- and P-rich. Copepod C:N was higher in inland waters compared with animals from marine environments in both copepodites and adult females, matching the higher C content of seston in many inland freshwaters. For both copepodites and adult females, mid-latitude animals had higher C:N and C:P than high-latitude animals, which matched predictions based on the availability of nutrients or adaptation to cold environments. More data must be gathered to fill gaps in our knowledge of copepod stoichiometry, focusing particularly on younger life stages, non-calanoids, low and high latitudes, the southern hemisphere, and estuarine and some inland water habitats, including large lakes. Such information will help better parameterize models of aquatic ecosystems and improve our understanding of how copepods influence consumer-driven nutrient cycling and food web dynamics.