Cyphoderia ampulla
(Ehrenberg, 1840) Leidy, 1879
Most likely ID: n.a.
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Synonym: Cyphoderia margaritacea
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Sampling location: Paradieswiesen (Austria), Simmelried
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Phylogenetic tree: Cyphoderia ampulla
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Diagnosis:Â
- chitinous test retort shaped, covered with disc-shaped scales
- siliceous scales 1.9–2.3 µm in diameter
- test colorless, brownish or yellowish
- neck gently recurved
- length 89–124 µm
- pseudostome round, surrounded by teeth-shaped scales
- nucleus large, located posterior
- filopodia, straight, thin, threadlike
So far I have only found Cyphoderia ampulle in the Simmelried and in the Paradieswiesen. In the Simmelried, however, the species only occurs very rarely and sporadically.
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This testate amoeba is easily recognizable by its characteristic, retort-shaped test and is easy to identify. The test of the similar species Cyphoderia calceolus is clearly pointed at the posterior end and not broadly rounded.
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The test of Cyphoderia ampulla consists of a thin, organic layer on which the round, silica scales are arranged very regularly. They are embedded in a mostly brownish, organic matrix. The size of the round scales on the test varies. They are largest in the middle of the test. In my specimens, they had a diameter of about 4 µm in the middle of the test and were circular (s. fig. 3).
Fig. 1 a-c: Cyphoderia ampulla. L = 129 µm. Three focal planes of a specimen found in June 2024 in the Paradieswiesen. Note the thin, threadlike filopodia (Fi). Obj. 40 X.
Fig. 2 a-c: Cyphoderia ampulla. L = 129 µm. The same specimen as shown in fig. 1 a-c in detail. Fi = filopodia. Obj. 100 X.
Fig. 3: Cyphoderia ampulla. The circular scales in detail. In mid-body they have a diameter of approximately 4 µm. Obj. 100 X.