Complexera

Complexera is a genus of small, freshwater snails with a gill and an operculum, an external shell. The genus is part of the family Hydrobiidae, which includes many other freshwater snail species. Complexera species are characterized by their complex shell morphology, which includes a series of spiral ridges and grooves that give the shell a distinctive, intricate appearance.

The genus Complexera was first described by the German malacologist Karl Ludwig Koch in 1841. Since then, several species have been identified within the genus, each with its own unique shell characteristics. The most well-known species is Complexera complexa, which is native to Europe and has been introduced to other parts of the world.

Complexera species are typically found in slow-moving or still waters, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organic materials, including algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. The life cycle of Complexera species typically involves a planktonic larval stage, followed by a period of growth and reproduction.

Despite their ecological importance, Complexera species are not well-studied, and much remains unknown about their biology and ecology. However, their unique shell morphology and distribution make them of interest to malacologists and other scientists studying freshwater ecosystems.