Kateutena

Kateutena, also known as Kateutenae, is a genus of small, aquatic, freshwater snails with a gill and an operculum, an external shell closure. The genus is native to North America and is found in various freshwater habitats, including streams, rivers, and ponds. Kateutena species are characterized by their small, conical shells, which are typically less than 10 millimeters in height. The shells are usually brown or gray in color, with a smooth or slightly ridged surface.

The genus Kateutena was first described by the American malacologist Henry Augustus Pilsbry in 1904. It is part of the family Physidae, which includes other freshwater snails with a gill and an operculum. The genus contains several species, including Kateutena angulata, Kateutena bicolor, and Kateutena californica. These species are often used in ecological studies to monitor the health of freshwater ecosystems, as they are sensitive to changes in water quality.

Kateutena species are herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant material. They are also known to consume small invertebrates, such as mosquito larvae. The life cycle of Kateutena species typically involves a planktonic larval stage, followed by a benthic adult stage. The snails reproduce sexually, with the female laying a single, large egg capsule that contains hundreds of eggs. The eggs hatch into planktonic larvae, which drift in the water column before settling to the bottom and metamorphosing into adult snails.

Kateutena species play an important role in freshwater ecosystems, as they help to control the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. They are also a food source for larger aquatic organisms, such as fish and birds. However, their populations can be affected by changes in water quality, such as increased pollution or changes in water temperature. Conservation efforts are therefore important to protect these species and the ecosystems they inhabit.