Lepadella acuminata Ehrenberg, 1834
Most likely ID: n.a.
Synonym: n. a.
Sampling location: Ulmisried, Simmelried
Phylogenetic tree: Lepadella acuminata
Diagnosis:
- lorica oval
- lorica posteriorly extended as a pointed projection
- length of lorica 92–110 µm, width 53–64 µm
- anteriorly a broad granulated collar
- ventral side flat
- ventral sinus semicircular or U-shaped
- lorica in cross section almost semicircular
- foot groove shaped ovally
- terminal segment of foot longer than basal section of foot
- toes long and pointed
Lepadella acuminata is very common in my sites Ulmisried and Simmelried throughout the year. This rotifer is mostly found in floating plant masses. Lepadella acuminata can be recognized by the elongated and pointed posterior end of the lorica (s. fig. 1 a). At the anterior end of the body there is a granulated collar surrounding the dorsal opening for the head (s. fig. 3).
More images and information on Lepadella acuminata: Michael Plewka-Freshwater life-Lepadella acuminata
Fig. 1 a-c: Lepadella acuminata. L = 116 µm (of the lorica). Three focal planes from ventral of a slightly squashed specimen. Note the posteriorly, spine-shaped projection (arrow). Obj. 60 X.
Fig. 2 a-b: Lepadella acuminata. L = 116 µm (of the lorica). Two focal planes from ventral of the same specimen as shwon in fig. 1 a-c. Obj. 100 X.
Fig. 3: Lepadella acuminata. L = 103 µm (of the lorica). Ventral view of a second specimen. Note the granulated collar (GC) at the anterior spine of the lorica. Obj. 60 X.