Spelaeogriphaceans: Spelaeogriphacea - Physical Characteristics, Spelaeogriphaceans And People, No Common Name (spelaeogriphus Lepidops): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION, CONSERVATION STATUS

Spelaeogriphaceans are known only from small regions of South Africa, Brazil, and Western Australia.

HABITAT

They are found in freshwater streams or pools in caves or in underground springs.

DIET

Spelaeogriphaceans are thought to feed on bits of plants that are washed into the caves and underground springs. They use their mouthparts to sweep up small particles off rocks.

BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION

Very little is known about these animals. They do not burrow or swim. Instead, they walk around on the bottom of freshwater habitats in caves or underground springs. Males and females are known, but mating has never been observed. The females carry ten to twelve eggs in the brood pouch located under the thorax and surrounded by the carapace.

CONSERVATION STATUS

No species of spelaeogriphaceans are considered endangered or threatened. The South African Spelaeogriphus lepidops, known from a single cave, is protected locally.