Floscularia

Floscularia is a genus of freshwater rotifers belonging to the class Bdelloidea. These microscopic invertebrates are characterized by a bell-shaped body and a corona, a ciliated structure used for locomotion and feeding. The genus name, derived from the Latin word "flosculus" meaning "little flower," refers to the appearance of the corona when extended. Members of Floscularia are often found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, where they typically attach themselves to submerged vegetation or other substrates.

A distinctive feature of Floscularia species is their ability to secrete a protective tube or case, usually made of mucus and ingested debris. This tube serves as a shelter from predators and environmental fluctuations. The rotifer extends its corona from the opening of the tube to capture food particles, which are then directed into its mastax, a specialized jaw-like structure. Reproduction in Floscularia, like other bdelloid rotifers, is primarily amictic parthenogenesis, meaning that females produce genetically identical offspring without the need for males. This mode of reproduction allows for rapid population growth when conditions are favorable. While specific species within Floscularia may have slight variations in morphology and habitat preference, the general characteristics of tube-dwelling, ciliated corona, and parthenogenetic reproduction are consistent across the genus.