Genus of testate amoebae
Meisterfeldia is a genus of arcellinid testate amoebae erected in 2016 that unites several new species as well as old species previously found in the genus "Cryptodifflugia". Five of the newly described species were first found and isolated from subarctic tundra soil surrounding a river near Chokurdakh, Russia, while the last one, described in 2021, was recovered from tree hollows in Moscow.
Description.
Members of this genus are characterized by their ovoid, bilaterally symmetrical, laterally compressed tests. These tests are either colorless, yellow or brown, composed of proteinaceous material that lacks mineral particles. The test's aperture is circular, localized either in a ventrally subterminal position or a neck inclined vertically. Sometimes, the aperture's border shows a slight swelling.
Taxonomy.
The genus "Meisterfeldia" is named after the German protozoologist Ralf Meisterfeld. It encompasses 6 species described so far, distinguished from each other through the shape and size parameters of their tests:
References.
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