monilehtisiä

Monilethisia is a genus of small, freshwater snails with a gill and an operculum, an operculum being a small lid that covers the aperture of the shell. The genus is found in the family Hydrobiidae, which includes freshwater snails with a gill and an operculum. Monilethisia species are typically found in slow-moving or stagnant freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. They are characterized by their small, conical shells with a smooth or slightly ribbed surface. The genus was first described by the German zoologist Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Meuschen in 1803. There are currently 12 recognized species within the genus Monilethisia. The genus name is derived from the Latin word "monile," meaning necklace, and "thisia," referring to the genus Thisia, which was later synonymized with Monilethisia. The species within the genus Monilethisia are typically small, with shell heights ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 millimeters. They are often found in association with other freshwater snails and are an important part of the freshwater ecosystem. Monilethisia species are typically herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant material. They are also known to be intermediate hosts for several species of trematode parasites. The genus Monilethisia is of interest to both scientists and hobbyists due to its unique characteristics and the role it plays in freshwater ecosystems.