Keratella ticinensis Callerio, 1920
Most likely ID: n.a.
Synonym: n.a.
Sampling location: Simmelried
Phylogenetic tree: Keratella ticinensis
Diagnosis:
- body almost elliptical
- dorsal with 3 median fields, first field square like
- lorica with fine reticulate pattern
- length 110–150 µm
- ventral side flat
- dorsal side convex
- two long anterior median spines
- posterior spines absent
- one large eyespot
I find Keratella ticinensis very frequently in the Simmelried. The species is permanently present there, especially in floating plant masses.
Keratella ticinensis can easily be recognized by the shape of the lorica. It only has spines on the anterior margin. The lorica is broadly rounded at the posterior end, without any spines. In addition, the lorica has a strikingly fielded dorsal side. On this is a median row of 3 fields, the first of which is square-shaped. The other two fields are hexagonal. Another important feature is the very large eyespot, which can be clearly seen even at low magnifications.
More images and information on Keratella ticinensis: Michael Plewka-Freshwater life-Keratella ticinensis
Fig. 1 a-d: Keratella ticinensis. L = 135 µm. Different focal planes of a slightly squashed specimen from dorsal. Note the 3 median fields of the lorica (1–3) and the two anterior median spines (AMS). ES = eyespot, St = stomach. Obj. 60 X.
Fig. 2: Keratella ticinensis. The dorsal side of a squashed specimen. Note the fine reticulate pattern and the three median fields (1–3). The first field is square shaped, while the fields 2 and 3 are hexagonal. Obj. 1060 X.
Fig. 3: Keratella ticinensis. The trophi in a strongly squashed specimen. Obj. 100 X.