Rotifer (Asplanchna priodonta)

Japanese: フクロワムシ(袋輪虫) - フクロワムシ（英語表記）Asplanchna priodonta

A rotifer of the Rotifidae family. Widely distributed throughout the world, it is commonly found in lakes throughout Japan, and often appears in small ponds and swamps, living a floating lifestyle. Its body is pouch-shaped and legless, measuring 1-1.5mm in length. Its body shape changes depending on the season. Because its body is transparent, the internal organs and muscles can be clearly seen, as well as the larvae that hatch inside the mother's body. It has chewing plates, but no intestines or anus. The chewing plates are used as a characteristic for classification. [Imajima Minoru]

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

フクロワムシ科の輪形動物。世界中に広く分布し，日本各地の湖ではごくふつうに見いだされ，小さな池や沼でもしばしば出現し，浮遊生活する。体は袋状で足がなく，体長1～1.5mm。体型は季節によって変異が見られる。体が透明なために内臓や筋肉のようす，また母虫の体内で孵化（ふか）した幼虫がよくわかる。そしゃく板はあるが，腸や肛門はない。そしゃく板は分類する際の形質として用いられている。【今島実】

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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