After one or more dry seasons, the cysts will hatch when the pools are once again inundated, and the cycle of life begins again. The Midvalley Fairy Shrimp is a newly-described species that inhabits pools in only a handful of counties within the Great Central Valley, including Sacramento, Solano, Merced, Madera, San Joaquin, Fresno, and Contra Costa counties. The Midvalley Fairy Shrimp is closely related to three other federally listed species, the Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp, Conservancy Fairy Shrimp, and Longhorn Fairy Shrimp. These three species were listed under the ESA in 1994, primarily due to the threats posed by destruction of their vernal pool habitat. The listing petition demonstrates that the Midvalley Fairy Shrimp is at an even greater risk of extinction than these species, however, because it has a more restricted range and inhabits the most shallow, ephemeral vernal pools.
Vernal pools are one of the most threatened habitat types in the world.
Vernal pools are home to many plants and animals that in turn form a valuable part of the food chain for a wide array of animals, including birds of prey, shorebirds, migratory waterfowl, frogs, toads, salamanders and pollinating insects. The Midvalley Fairy Shrimp is a vital part of this web of life.