portrait

Description:

Detail of spine scales of Paraphysomonas vestita a colourless stramenopile flagellate. This is the type species for the genus. About 50 species are recognized. . Radiating endogenous siliceous spine scales (seen here) cover the cell surface. Scale morphology (by EM) is species specific. Most Paraphysomonas species have spine scales of a single morphology but some species have 2 or 3 different types. These pushpin-shaped spine scales of P. vestita have imperforate circular base-plates by EM. The scales persist in sediments for months, providing a tool for population studies. From standing freshwater near Boise, Idaho. DIC optics.