Lathonura rectirostris has a head that is large and its eye is also large and situated in the front. The three segments, which constitute the two-branched second antennae, have the same size. It is normally associated with dense water vegetation.

Key characteristics

Lathonura rectirostris may resemble Drepanothrix dentata except for its carapace which has a more oval form and does not have the thorn-like spine in the middle of the dorsal edge. Its head is large, approximately one third of its carapace. Its eye is also large situated in the front of the head. The first antennae are long and slender, while all segments which constitute the three segmented, two-branched second antennae, have the same size. Its postabdomen is small, and has a characteristic shape, which is difficult to see without dissecting the animal. The colour of L. rectirostris varies between grey and brown often with a yellowish tinge.

Female: Length 0.8–1.2 mm

Male: Length 0.5–0.8 mm.

Ecology and distribution

L. rectirostris is found in 3,4 % of the water bodies and has a scattered distribution throughout the country. It is found from close to sea level (4 m a.s.l.) to 778 m a.s.l. The majority of records are from ponds and ditches (<1 da) situated 100–300 m a.s.l. Except for a few records, all are from water with pH>5.5 and conductivity >3.0 mS/m. It is normally associated with dense water vegetation.

Look-alikes

Drepanothrix dentata