Lumisella

Lumisella is a genus of small, freshwater snails with a gill and an operculum, an internal shell. It is a member of the family Hydrobiidae, which includes many other small freshwater snails. The genus was first described by the German malacologist Karl Ludwig Koch in 1841. Lumisella species are found in Europe, with a few species extending into Asia. They inhabit slow-moving or still freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

The shells of Lumisella species are small, typically less than 2 millimeters in height, and have a smooth, rounded shape. The shell is translucent, with a thin, fragile operculum. The animal itself is also small, with a gill for breathing and a radula for feeding. Lumisella species are herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant material.

The genus Lumisella includes several species, with the most well-known being Lumisella marginata. This species is found in Europe and has a distinctive margin on its shell. Other species include Lumisella borysthenica, Lumisella hungarica, and Lumisella kessleri. The taxonomy of the genus is still a subject of ongoing research, with some species being reclassified or redescribed.

Lumisella species are of interest to malacologists and freshwater ecologists due to their small size and unique adaptations to freshwater habitats. They are also of interest to conservationists, as many species are threatened by habitat loss and pollution. Despite their small size, Lumisella species play an important role in freshwater ecosystems, helping to control algae growth and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.