River Limpet
Ancylus fluviatilis
This record describes Ancylus fluviatilis (species). Recorded family: Planorbidae. Recorded order: Hygrophila.
Identification and Appearance
3-8mm. Ancylus fluviatilis is a species of very small, freshwater, air-breathing limpet, the shell has a conical, backwardly directed apex. Oval to round. It is fairly dull brown to black in colour and shows fine growth lines. The Lake Limpet, A. lacustris , has a flatter profile and the apex of the shell is pointed to one side. A bottom living species found in unpolluted running water of all kinds where it adheres to the sides of stones in moderate flows It also lives on stones in the wave zone of lakes. Sensitive to pollution but is usually excluded from suitable habitat only by chronic pollution as it will normally recolonize lost territory after incidents. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Hygrophila
- Family
- Planorbidae
- Genus
- Ancylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A bottom living species found in unpolluted running water of all kinds where it adheres to the sides of stones in moderate flows It also lives on stones in the wave zone of lakes.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Sensitive to pollution but is usually excluded from suitable habitat only by chronic pollution as it will normally recolonize lost territory after incidents.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Hygrophila: the wider group
Order-level background for Hygrophila, the group containing Ancylus fluviatilis. 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.
Photos of River Limpet (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About River Limpet
What is River Limpet?
River Limpet (Ancylus fluviatilis) is a species in the family Planorbidae, within the order Hygrophila.
Where is River Limpet found?
Habitat: A bottom living species found in unpolluted running water of all kinds where it adheres to the sides of stones in moderate flows It also lives on stones in the wave zone of lakes.
When is River Limpet active?
River Limpet: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a River Limpet?
Sensitive to pollution but is usually excluded from suitable habitat only by chronic pollution as it will normally recolonize lost territory after incidents.