Aluselisena

Aluselisena, also known as aluselisenae, is a genus of small, freshwater snails with a gill and an operculum, an external shell. It is an aquatic gastropod mollusk in the family Hydrobiidae. The genus is native to Europe and Asia, with species found in various freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Aluselisena species are typically small, with shells measuring around 2-3 millimeters in length.

The genus was first described by the German malacologist Karl Ludwig Koch in 1842. It is characterized by its smooth, rounded shells with a single, spiral whorl. The aperture is narrow and elongated, with a thin, translucent operculum. The radula, or rasping tongue, is also distinctive, with a single row of teeth.

Aluselisena species are herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant material. They are often found in dense colonies, with individuals living in close proximity to one another. The genus is of particular interest to malacologists due to its unique shell morphology and ecological niche.

Despite their small size, aluselisena species play an important role in their ecosystems. They contribute to nutrient cycling by grazing on algae and other plant material, and their presence can indicate the health of a freshwater habitat. However, their populations can be threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and other environmental factors. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these small, but important, freshwater snails.