Antrolana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antrolana |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Antrolana
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| Species: |
lira
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Antrolana lira is a unique type of crustacean. Crustaceans are a group of animals that includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. This special creature lives only in dark caves and underground waters. It is the only known species in its group, called Antrolana.
About the Antrolana Lira
The Antrolana lira is a fascinating animal. It is a troglobite, meaning it lives its whole life in dark caves. Because it lives in darkness, it does not need eyes and has no color. It appears pale or white. This small crustacean can grow up to about 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) long.
Where It Lives
This unique crustacean is found only in a specific area. This area is called the Great Appalachian Valley. It lives in the states of Virginia and West Virginia in the United States. It swims freely in underground rivers and pools. These waters are deep inside karst aquifers. Karst is a type of landscape where calcite-rich rocks, like limestone, have been dissolved by water. This creates caves and underground channels.
The area where Antrolana lira lives is quite large. It stretches over 200 miles (320 km). This range goes from Lexington, Virginia to Charles Town, West Virginia.
Protecting This Species
The Antrolana lira is a very rare animal. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. This list tracks species that are at risk of becoming endangered. It is also listed as a threatened species under the United States Endangered Species Act. This means it needs special protection to help it survive. Protecting its underground home is very important for its future.
