Tropidophora

Tropidophora is a genus of small, freshwater snails with a gill and an operculum, an internal shell. They are part of the family Pomatiopsidae, which is a group of freshwater snails that are typically found in Europe and Asia. The genus Tropidophora was first described by the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1801. The name Tropidophora is derived from the Greek words tropis, meaning "turning," and phoros, meaning "bearing," referring to the operculum that turns to cover the shell opening.

The shells of Tropidophora species are typically small, with a height of about 2-3 millimeters and a width of about 1-2 millimeters. They are usually conical or ovate in shape, with a smooth or slightly ribbed surface. The operculum is also small, with a diameter of about 1-2 millimeters, and is typically brown or black in color.

Tropidophora species are typically found in slow-moving or still freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. They are omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. They are also known to be hermaphroditic, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs, although they may not be able to self-fertilize.

There are currently about 15 recognized species of Tropidophora, with the most well-known being Tropidophora carinata, which is found in Europe and Asia. The genus is of interest to scientists studying the evolution of freshwater snails, as well as to conservationists working to protect their habitats.