Notothyridae

Notothyridae is a family of small, freshwater snails, aquatic gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Lymnaeoidea. The family is characterized by its distinctive shell morphology, which is typically low-spired, with a smooth or slightly ribbed surface. The aperture is usually rounded and lacks an operculum. The family is found in various freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, and rivers, across different regions of the world.

The taxonomy of Notothyridae is complex, with several genera and species described within the family. Some of the most well-known genera include Notothyrus, which is found in Europe and Asia, and Notothyrsella, which is found in North America. The family is also known for its reproductive biology, with many species exhibiting a form of parthenogenesis, where females can produce offspring without mating.

Notothyridae has been the subject of various scientific studies, particularly in the fields of taxonomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology. The family's unique reproductive strategies and shell morphology have made it an interesting subject for researchers studying the evolution of freshwater mollusks. Despite its ecological and evolutionary significance, the family is not well-known to the general public and remains largely understudied.