Notommata omentata Wulfert, 1939
Most likely ID: n.a.
Synonym: n.a.
Sampling location: Sima Moor (Austria)
Phylogenetic tree: Notommata omentata
Diagnosis:
- body spindle-shaped
- head broader than body with short, lateral auricles
- corona reach one third of ventral side
- length 200–230 µm
- cerebral ganglion with two crystals
- posterior part of body with transverse folds
- appendix short, covers the anus
- one cervical eyespot, bright red
- retrocerebral organ with refracting bodies
- foot two-jointed
- toes conical, short
- trophi asymmetrical
So far I have only found one specimen of Notommata omentata in August 2024 in Sima Moor. Ditches, between riparian plants and acidic waters are given as typical habitats. The latter applies to the Sima Moor.
Notommata omentata can be confused with the similar species Notommata cerberus, especially in lateral view. However, Notommata cerberus has a much longer appendix, whereas in Notommata omentata it is short and covers the anus like a flap (s. fig. 1 d). In addition, Notommata omentata is considerably smaller (about 200 µm) than Notommata cerberus (300–650 µm).
Fig. 1 a-d: Notommata omentata. L = 194 µm. Different focal planes of a slightly squashed specimen from right. Note the short appendix (AP) covers the anus. Obj. 60 X.
Fig. 2: Notommata omentata. L = 194 µm. The same specimen as shown in fig. 1 a-d in detail. CG = cerebral ganglion, ES = eyespot, GG = gastric gland, Int = intestine, RCO = retrocerebral organ filled with refracting bodies, St = stomach, Vit = vitellarium. Obj. 100 X.
Fig. 3: Notommata omentata. The short, conical shaped toes (TO) in detail. Obj. 100 X.
Fig. 4 a-b: Notommata omentata. Two focal planes of the trophi in a strongly squashed specimen. Obj. 100 X.