Aspelta (rotifer)

Aspelta is a genus of rotifers belonging to the family Dicranophoridae. These microscopic aquatic animals are found in a variety of freshwater habitats, and occasionally in moist terrestrial environments.

Characteristics:

Aspelta rotifers are typically characterized by their elongated body shape and their raptorial feeding behavior. They possess a well-developed mastax, a muscular pharynx containing jaws (trophi) used for grasping and crushing prey. These trophi are particularly adapted for capturing and consuming other small organisms, including other rotifers, protozoa, and bacteria. The foot of Aspelta is usually equipped with toes, which they use to attach themselves to substrates. Like many rotifers, Aspelta species reproduce both sexually and asexually, often exhibiting cyclical parthenogenesis where asexual reproduction is favored during stable environmental conditions, and sexual reproduction is triggered by environmental stress.

Classification:

The taxonomy within the genus Aspelta can be complex, with numerous described species and subspecies. Identification often relies on detailed morphological analysis of the trophi and other anatomical features. Molecular techniques are increasingly being used to clarify phylogenetic relationships within the genus.

Ecology:

Aspelta rotifers play an important role in aquatic ecosystems as consumers of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms, and as a food source for larger invertebrates. Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them potential indicators of water quality. Their distribution is worldwide, though specific species may have more restricted ranges. They contribute to nutrient cycling and the overall health of the environments they inhabit.