portrait

Description:

Paraquadrula irregularis - a member of the Arcellinida. The test is round when viewed en-face (the view in these images) and ovoid in the lateral view. The test is composed of secreted rectangular calcite plates cemented into slightly irregular rows. The pseudostome is a broad oval shape (located atowards the bottom in in these images). Although the test plates are similar in appearance to those of Quadrulella the plates are siliceous in the latter and the test of Quadrulella is pyriform with a distinct neck. Feeds on algae. From freshwater pond near Boise, Idaho. Phase contrast.