This checklist puts together available information on the taxonomy, distribution, and current status of freshwater microcrustacean zooplankton in the Philippines. To date, 81 species have been recorded from Philippine inland waters, including 55 cladoceran and 36 copepod species, in two cladoceran orders (six families); and in two copepod orders (four families). The level of endemicity and distribution patterns of microcrustaceans in the archipelago’s freshwater systems reflects the island’s origins, biogeographical status, and location in the tropics. However, there are problems: in terms of taxonomy, species level identification is often doubtful and further study on systematics and biogeography is needed to settle conflicts in identification. This is demonstrated by the 29 synonymies and misidentifications detected in previous Philippine records. In addition, the introduction of nonnative species of fishes, zooplankton, and other aquatic organisms has begun negatively impacting inland aquatic biodiversity in the country, which is further exacerbated by eutrophication and other environmental changes.

Four live examples, each of about 2 mm shell height, were found in leaf litter under shrubs and trees. They were inactive and attached to the surfaces and mid-ribs of dead leaves.