Tadpole shrimp  (Triops cancriformis)

The species is widely distributed in Europe through to Russia, and from the Middle East to India. In Great Britain it was recorded during the 18th and 19th centuries from Kent, Bristol, Dorset and Worcestershire, and until September 2004 it was thought to be restricted to just one pond in the New Forest in Hampshire. However, it was then found in pools in Caerlaverock in southwest Scotland (6). Genetic studies on the species may reveal that the species found in Britain has great international importance (3).

This species lives in temporary ponds that dry out in summer (3).