Ketuspidoridae

Ketuspidoridae is a family of small, freshwater snails, aquatic gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Lymnaeoidea. The family is native to Australia and New Guinea, with a few species found in New Zealand. The family was first described by the German zoologist Carl Eduard Adolph Gerstaecker in 1858.

The family includes two genera, Ketuspidor and Pseudoketuspidor. The genus Ketuspidor contains four species, while Pseudoketuspidor contains two. All species in the family are small, with shells that are typically ovate or subovate in shape, and have a smooth or slightly sculptured surface. The shells are usually brown or reddish-brown in color.

The biology of Ketuspidoridae is not well understood, but they are believed to be herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant material. They are typically found in slow-moving or still waters, such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

Ketuspidoridae is of interest to scientists due to its unique evolutionary history. The family is believed to have evolved from a common ancestor with other lymnaeid families, but has retained many primitive characteristics. This makes it an important model organism for studying the evolution of freshwater gastropods.

The family is not currently considered to be threatened, but like all freshwater mollusks, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the habitats of Ketuspidoridae and ensure the survival of this unique group of freshwater snails.