Cyphoderia ampulla
(Ehrenberg, 1840) Leidy, 1879
Most likely ID: n.a.
Synonym: Cyphoderia margaritacea
Sampling location: Paradieswiesen (Austria), Simmelried
Phylogenetic tree: Cyphoderia ampulla
Diagnosis:
- 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.
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.
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.