Bdelloid rotifers

Bdelloids are commonly found in freshwater and soils, as they can live in the thin water film surrounding soil particles, mosses and lichens. All bdelloids are able to creep on surfaces with a leech-like movement, and some swim using the cilia of the corona.
About 350 species are described and are grouped into three orders that differ mainly for the arrangement of the corona. Dorsally to the corona, all bdelloids have a movable projection (rostrum) with cilia and, more caudally, a sensory antenna.

Bdelloids reproduce through parthenogenesis and populations consist of female animals, only. Most species lay eggs, some are viviparous and give birth to miniature adults that will feed to grow and produce offspring for most part of their life. Under controlled conditions and continuous feeding, an average bdelloid lives about 30 days and lay about 30-35 eggs.
They possess two main features: partenogenesis and the capability to enter anhydrobiosis to face harsh periods. These charateristics make them pioneering animals, able to colonize different and new habitats.