Broad-footed rotifer
Lepadella patella
Lepadella patella is a widespread freshwater rotifer protected by an oval, dorsoventrally flattened shell (lorica). It features a distinct, three-segmented foot with two pointed toes, allowing for a characteristic mode of locomotion. The species prefers inhabiting the periphyton of aquatic plants as well as the interface between water and sediment in stagnant water bodies.
Details
Identification
Oval lorica with a smooth-edged head opening; foot opening on the ventral side; two equal-length, pointed toes; characteristic mastax (jaws).
Social behavior
Solitary, but occurs in high individual densities when food supply is abundant.
Diet
Filters bacteria, small unicellular algae, and organic detritus from the water or grazes on surfaces.
Hunting strategy
Passive filter feeder and active grazer using the ciliary corona (rotary organ).
Spawning substrate
Eggs are usually attached to substrates or aquatic plants.
Overwintering
Formation of thick-walled resting eggs (dormant stages) that survive unfavorable conditions in the sediment.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary consumer that transfers energy from bacteria and microalgae to higher trophic levels such as predatory zooplankton.
Natural predators
Predatory zooplankton (e.g., Asplanchna), small insect larvae, and juvenile fish.
Competitor species
Other rotifer species and small herbivorous crustaceans (e.g., Daphnia).
Ecosystem service
Contributes to the self-purification of water bodies by consuming bacteria and detritus.
Threats
Severe chemical pollution of water bodies and extreme eutrophication.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Characteristic features include the deep, U-shaped head sinus and the posterior foot sinus in the lorica. The foot is three-segmented and bears two long, pointed, usually straight toes. The genus Lepadella differs from Colurella by the lack of lateral compression.
Reproduction
Cyclic parthenogenesis; during favorable conditions, amictic females reproduce asexually. Under stress, mictic females are produced, which give rise to males or resting eggs.
Role in food web
Primary consumer and important component of the microbial loop; transforms bacterial biomass and detritus for higher trophic levels.
Protection & threats
Status not on standard scale
Main threats
Loss of littoral habitats due to shoreline stabilization, herbicide use (decline of macrophytes), and extreme eutrophication with oxygen depletion at the bottom.