Anostraca

Anostraca [ə′näs·trə·kə]

(invertebrate zoology)

An order of shrimplike crustaceans generally referred to the subclass Branchiopoda.

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Anostraca 

an order of invertebrates of the subclass Branchiopoda. The body measures from 5 mm to 3 cm long, sometimes reaching 10 cm. The body is elongated and semi-transparent, often with an orange tint. There are approximately 180 species, 40 of which are found in the USSR. They live in pools of water formed by melting snow in the spring; some species inhabit larger, more permanent bodies of fresh and salt water. The Anostraca swim on their backs. The eggs have a thick shell, which permits them to resist drought or freezing and to maintain vitality for several years. The Anostraca develop through metamorphosis; some species reproduce parthenogenetically.

REFERENCES

Zhizn’ presnykh vod SSSR, vol. 1. Edited by V. I. Zhadin. Moscow-Leningrad, 1940.
Zhizn zhivotnykh, vol. 2. Edited by L. A. Zenkevich. Moscow, 1968.