Simocephalus serrulatus has a head which is small and pointed in front and at the edge of the head there are 2–4 small teeth. The majority of records are from humus rich water bodies in the south eastern part of the country.

Key characteristics

Simocephalus serrulatus may be distinguished from respectively S. vetulus and S. expinosus by its head which is small and much more pointed in front. Furthermore the edge of the head has 2–4 small teeth. Like S. expinosus the eyespot is more or less circular. The posterior end of carapace is protruding into a serrated process. The abdominal claw in S. serrulatus has no teeth at the base. The colour varies from blue-yellowish to olivaceus brown, sometimes with a greenish tinge.

Female: Length 1.0–2.5 mm

Male: Length 0.7–1.0 mm

Ecology and distribution

S. serrulatus is found in less than 2 % of the localities. It has a scattered distribution with the majority of records from the south eastern part of the country. Except for one, all records are from waterbodies situated below 230 m a.s.l. Though this species has been associated with humus rich water bodies, it also occurs in water of varying pH and conductivity. It is mainly found in ponds and small lakes.

Look-alikes