Microcodides chlaena (Gosse, 1886)
Most likely ID: n.a.
Synonym: n.a.
Sampling location: Simmelried
Phylogenetic tree: Microcodides chlaena
Diagnosis:
- body cone-shaped, gradually tapering towards posterior
- dorsal side highly arched
- dorsal and lateral with longitudinal ridges and ribs
- length 150–252 µm
- lateral antennae below two pointed protrusions of the lorica
- one eyespot
- foot with two toes of different length, short toe projected dorsally
- trophi malleate, unci with eight parallel teeth
I find Microcodides chlaena rarely but regularly among decomposing plant material. So far I have only found the species in the Simmelried.
Microcodides chlaena has several easily recognizable features that make it easy to identify. On the one hand, the lorica has two pointed projections laterally, under which the lateral antennae arise (s. figs. 1 a and 1 b). In addition, the lorica has a clear longitudinal striation of ridges and ribs in the mid-body. They are particularly easy to recognize in lateral view (s. figs. 1 d and 2 c). The two toes also have a peculiar feature. They are of unequal length, with the shorter toe being displaced upwards and pointing backwards. The terminal, longer toe is slightly curved ventrally and sharply pointed at the end (s. figs. 1 b and 2 b).
More images and information on Microcodides chlaena: Michael Plewka-Freshwater life-Microcodides chlaena
Fig. 1 a-d: Microcodides chlaena. L = 151 µm. A freely swimming specimen from dorsal (a, b), left (c) and from right (d). Note the lateral antennae (LA) below the two pointed protrusions (LP). The toes (TO 1, TO 2) have an unequal length. The shorter one (toe 1) is pointing dorsally. FT = foot, LR = longitudinal ridges and ribs. Obj. 60 X.
Fig. 2 a-c: Microcodides chlaena. L = 170 µm. A second, freely swimming specimen from right. Note the longitudinal ridges and ribs (LR) extend to the arched dorsal side. TO1 , TO 2 = toes. Obj. 60 X.