Lake Limpet

Acroloxus lacustris

This record describes Acroloxus lacustris (species). Recorded family: Acroloxidae. Recorded order: Hygrophila.

Identification and Appearance

A small limpet like snail with a hood shaped shell. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain except in the far north. No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Order: Hygrophila
Family: Acroloxidae
Genus: Acroloxus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Freshwater ponds and lakes.

Seasonal Activity

All year round.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain except in the far north.

About Hygrophila: the wider group

Order-level background for Hygrophila, the group containing Acroloxus lacustris. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

This is a smaller arthropod order with specialized ecological roles. Arthropods are the most diverse animal phylum, comprising over 80% of all known animal species with approximately 1.2 million described species globally.

Ecological role of the group

Members of this order contribute to broader arthropod ecosystem functions including decomposition, predation, and serving as food sources for vertebrates. Arthropod biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience.

Economic and practical significance of the group

While this order has limited direct economic impact, arthropods collectively provide ecosystem services worth trillions of dollars annually through pollination, decomposition, pest control, and nutrient cycling.

Recorded sources for this group: General entomology and arthropod research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Hygrophila families and species →