Ceraria

Ceraria is a genus of small, freshwater snails, aquatic gastropod mollusks in the family Hydrobiidae. The genus is native to Europe and North America, with a few species found in Asia. Ceraria species are typically small, with shells that are usually less than 2 millimeters in length. The shells are usually conical or ovate, with a smooth or slightly sculptured surface. The aperture is usually rounded, and the columella is usually simple and straight.

The genus Ceraria was first described by the German zoologist Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Albrecht in 1840. The type species is Ceraria virgata. The genus is currently classified in the subfamily Hydrobiinae of the family Hydrobiidae.

Ceraria species are typically found in slow-moving or still freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They are usually herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant material. Ceraria species are often used in ecological studies as indicators of water quality, as they are sensitive to changes in water chemistry and pollution.

The genus Ceraria is currently recognized to include about 20 species, although the exact number may vary depending on the classification system used. Some species are considered to be endangered or threatened due to habitat loss and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats.