Drepanotrema anatinum

Drepanotrema anatinum was originally described as Planorbis anatinus in 1835 by Alcide d'Orbigny. In 1933, Carlos G. Aguayo found many species of planorbids to be synonymous with D. anatinum, and revised the taxonomy. Synonymous taxa included Planorbis anatinus (A. d'Orbigny, 1835), Planorbis haldemani (C. B. Adams 1849), Planorbis esperanzensis (Tyron, 1866), Planorbis isabel (G. B. Sowerby II, 1877), Planorbis yzabalensis (Crosse & P. Fischer, 1879), and Planorbis aracacensis (Gundlach, 1857). Because this was a monotypic genus, it automatically became the type species, being a representative of the genus. The synonyms Helix shuttleworthi and Guestieria shuttleworthi were added in a 2024 revision. == Description ==

Shell Drepanotrema anatinum has a somewhat transparent golden brown shell, though it appears black when living. It may possess black stripes just inside the aperture or a yellow stripe across the front of the shell. The shell measures between in width and in height. At maximum, the shell may be in diameter. The aperture is also crescent-shaped, and is angled so that the right side of the lip sits lower on the body. There may be a microscopic sculpture consisting of tightly packed growth lines and small bumps, which is more prominent on the upper surface of the shell. However, in D. anatinum, these diverticula are poorly defined. In this species, the penis sheath is about 1.3 times as long as the preputium. There are black stripes on the underside of the foot (an organ used to move around), as well as on the sides of its body. There are also black markings in between the eyes that extend upwards. The cephalic tentacles (tentacles on the head) have a gray stripe down their center. The mantle cavity, an internal space housing the gills and other organs, does not have folds corresponding to the kidneys or digestive system. == Distribution and habitat ==

Drepanotrema anatinum may be found across much of the neotropical region, including Cuba, Haiti,Panama, and Brazil. It may be found in creeks, ponds, lakes, and lagoons, and is highly associated with the plant species Hydrocotyle ranunculoides and Pontederia crassipes. == Ecology ==

Drepanotrema anatinum carries its shell parallel to the ground while moving. This species may carry the cercaria larvae of trematode parasites, including the blood fluke Cercaria marini. It is not known to carry the human-infecting Schistosoma mansoni, which causes schistosomiasis. == Reproduction ==

Drepanotrema anatinum lays egg sacs, usually with 4 embryos each. The egg sac has a diameter of about . Once laid, the animal can reach sexual maturity in as little as 30 days. This species has bred in captivity under laboratory conditions. ==References==