Historic occurrence of parthenogenetic Artemia in Great Salt Lake, USA, as demonstrated by molecular analysis of field samples

► We aimed to solve the controversy on parthenogenetic Artemia in Great Salt Lake. ► We analyzed nine non-commercial GSL samples harvested in the period 1997-2005. ► We used a lab culture test and various specific molecular tools. ► We found the historic occurrence of parthenogenetic Artemia. ► This occurrence was apparently transitory and confined to the period 2000-2002.