Description of Phryganella
provided by BioPedia
Shell in lateral view hemispherical or higher; aperture large often ( two thirds of the shell diameter, not or only slightly invaginated. Test composed of mineral particles of variable size embedded in an organic matrix which in older specimens can become dark brown due to manganese and iron deposition. Around the aperture and the ventral face these particles are small giving it a regular and smooth outline while at the aboral extremity larger grains are incorporated. When P. acropodia is cultureed without a supply of mineral particles, it constructs completely organic tests. Ovular nucleus. Cyst: internal with aperture closed by an organic diaphragm. Feeding: mainly bacteria, fungi and algae (aquatic species). About six species and several subspecies. Type species Phryganella nidulus Penard, 1902. One of the most common species in sphagnum and soils is Phryganella acropodia (Hertwig & Lesser, 1874), population dynamics (Lousier, 1984b).
