The dichotomous key to the bdelloid genera with cervical eyespots
This key is only for bdelloid rotifers where eyespots are visible. There are species of the same genera without eyespots as well!!
 

1. Trophi (jaws) close to mouth opening; can be extruded when the animal is feeding, corona with trochi elevated on pedicels:

................................................................................................................................................Philodinavidae (Abrochtha)

   
..............................................................................................................Abrochtha
   
...............................................................................................Philodinavus aussiensis

1* Trophi (jaws) deep in esophagus, not extruded when feeding:

........................................................................................................................................................................................(Philodinida) >>> 2

 

2. Stomach without visible lumen, stomach content as pills; dental formula > 3/3

 
one species...................................................................................Habrotrocha collaris

 

 
 
 
   

2* Stomach with lumen, pedicels of trochi often wide; 4 toes; dental formula < 3/3: (Dissotrocha, Philodina, Embata).............3

 
3. oviparous..................................................................................................Philodina

 

 
 
 

 
3*.viviparous (can sometimes be detected by two sets of trophi in one specimen (see arrows);

 

 
 

integument and inner organs red; endemic species in Antarctica...........................................................................Philodina gregaria

 

 
 
   

integument sculptured, very long spurs..............................................Dissotrocha

 

 
 

integument smooth............................................................................. Embata

 

 
 
 
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