Water fleas

Code OG059999

ILYOCRYPTIDAE: A family of the Cladocera (water fleas). This family, which was separated from the Macrothricidae by Smirnov (1992), compises the single genus, Ilyocryptus.

Ilyocryptidae are distinguished by a rounded carapace with very setose margin, a small head, and thick, stout antennae. The base of the antennae may be as thick as half or more than half the length of the head.

Shiel (1995) characterises Ilyocryptidae as very distinctive benthic dwellers which may occasionally be found in plankton tows.

References:

Korovchinsky, N.M. (1992) The Sidiidae and Holopediidae (Crustacea: Daphniiformes). Guides to the Identification of the Microinvertebrates of the Continental Waters of the World. 3: 1-82. SPB Academic Publishers, The Hague.

Shiel, R.J. (1995) A Guide to Identification of Rotifers, Cladocerans and Copepods from Australian Inland Waters. Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology Identification Guide No. 3., Albury, NSW.

Smirnov, N. N., 1992. The Macrothricidae of the World. Guides to the Identification of the Microinvertebrates of the Continental Waters of the World1:1-143. SPB Academic Publishers, The Hague.

Smirnov, N.N. and Timms, B.V. (1983) Revision of the Australian Cladocera (Crustacea). Records of the Australian Museum Supplement 1: 1-132.