edastata

Edastata is a genus of small, aquatic gastropods belonging to the family Hydrobiidae. The genus was first described in 1972 by the malacologist L. G. Harris, who collected specimens from the Laurentian Great Lakes region. Species within the genus are characterized by their cylindrical shells, typically ranging from 3 to 5 millimeters in height, and by a narrow aperture with a simple lip. The operculum is corneous and multispiral, a feature that distinguishes Edastata from many other Hydrobiid genera.

The type species, Edastata lacustris, was identified in sediment cores taken from shallow, lentic habitats. Subsequent surveys have documented its presence in several North American freshwater systems, including the Upper Mississippi River Basin and the western coast of the United States. In addition to E. lacustris, a second species, Edastata marina, was described in 1989 based on specimens collected from brackish estuaries near the Gulf of Mexico. Morphological differences between the two species include variations in shell sculpture and radular tooth structure, with E. marina displaying a coarser axial ribbing and a more robust radula.

Ecologically, Edastata species are detritivores, feeding primarily on periphyton and fine organic particles. They are considered important components of benthic communities and serve as prey for small fish and amphibians. Despite their ecological role, little is known about their life history traits. Conservation status assessments have not been conducted, but habitat degradation and water pollution in some regions may threaten local populations. Ongoing taxonomic investigations continue to refine the phylogenetic placement of Edastata within Hydrobiidae and to assess potential cryptic species diversity within the genus.