Turtus

Turtus is a genus of freshwater snails belonging to the family Planorbidae. These snails are characterized by their coiled shells, which are typically discoid or planospiral, meaning they are flattened and coiled in a single plane. The shells of turtus snails are often sinistral, meaning they coil in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from the apex. This feature distinguishes them from many other freshwater snail groups.

The habitat of turtus snails is primarily in slow-moving or still freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. They are often found attached to submerged vegetation or on the substrate at the bottom of these water bodies. Their diet consists mainly of algae and other organic matter, which they graze from surfaces using their radula.

Turtus snails play a role in their aquatic ecosystems as herbivores and as a food source for other aquatic organisms. Their reproductive strategy involves internal fertilization and the laying of egg masses, typically attached to aquatic plants. The exact distribution and diversity of turtus species can vary geographically, with different species adapted to specific environmental conditions within their range. Further research is ongoing to fully understand the taxonomy and ecological significance of this genus.