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Zospeum Robustum
''Zospeum robustum'' is a troglofauna, cave-dwelling species of pulmonate, air-breathing land snails (Eupulmonata, Ellobioidea, Carychiinae). Taxonomy The species was established based on specimens that previously were classified as ''Z. obesum'', ''Z. isselianum'' or ''Z. frauenfeldii''. It is named after the solid, robust shell of the holotype (lat.: robustum: robust). Description ''Zospeum robustum'' has an average shell height of ca. 1.6 mm and an average shell width of ca. 1.1 mm. The shell is transparent and has an ovate-conical shape, showing a high variability in shape. It is either smooth or ribbed, sometimes at the uppermost part of the whorl or the entire whorl. The shell possesses between 4.75 and 6 whorls, whereby the last whorl is sometimes expanded. The opening (aperture) is taller than wide. The peristome is roundish, sometimes quite massive, in most cases with a small, straight parietal shield. The shell has a parietalis and a weak columellaris. The col ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Troglofauna
Troglofauna are small cave-dwelling animals that have adapted to their dark surroundings. Troglofauna and stygofauna are the two types of subterranean fauna (based on life-history). Both are associated with subterranean environments – troglofauna are associated with caves and spaces above the water table and stygofauna with water. Troglofaunal species include spiders, insects, myriapods and others. Some troglofauna live permanently underground and cannot survive outside the cave environment. Troglofauna adaptations and characteristics include a heightened sense of hearing, touch and smell. Loss of under-used senses is apparent in the lack of pigmentation as well as eyesight in most troglofauna. Troglofauna insects may exhibit a lack of wings and longer appendages. Ecological categories Troglofauna are divided into three main categories based on their ecology: * Troglobionts (or troglobites): species, or populations of species, strictly bound to subterranean habitats. * Troglophi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
