The plural of ephippium; protective capsules or saddle-shaped structures in certain organisms like crustaceans.
Greek plural of ephippium, from ephippos 'wearing a saddle,' from epi 'on' and hippos 'horse'—named for their saddle-like shape.
Daphnia water fleas create ephippia when stressed—special hardened capsules that can survive freezing and drying, then hatch years later when conditions improve; it's nature's panic room!
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