statoblast In Bryozoa, a special, resistant body by which the animals reproduce asexually. It consists of a mass of cells containing stored food enclosed in a chitinous envelope, which can withstand desiccation and freezing and which may remain dormant for prolonged periods. The structure and shape of statoblasts are important taxonomic features of freshwater bryozoans.

statoblast A chitinous bud that is produced asexually by members of the Bryozoa. It stores food and is able to remain dormant for long periods, withstanding drought and extreme temperatures. Statoblasts may be liberated and dispersed after the death of the parent zooid, and subsequently `germinate' to produce a zooid capable of founding a new colony.