Several hay infusion experiments in the past have shown various types of protozoans and also small animals such as nematodes and bdelloid rotifers. The most frequently encountered protozoans were colpoda.

I started a new hay infusion on May 27, 2009 from a sample containing grass, soil clinging to the roots and a few stray pine needles and soon found the usual coploda that have populated such cultures in years past, including Colpoda inflata and serveral other common species. Then on June 3, 2009 a new species suddenly appeared that was quite different from any colpoda I had ever seen.

The strange shape, particulary the large overhang that gives it an almost snail like appearance, suggests that it is most likely Colpoda spiralis, an unusual species previously reported in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. This is, as far as I can tell, the first time it has been reported in California, and northern California at that (zip code 95841). The Measurements are consistent with the descripton but I am niether equipped nor qualified to say for certain that the description matches the specimens I've observed, and I have yet to find an image of a specimen known to be Colpoda spiralis, so I must put a question mark after the species name.

If you can shed any light on this species, or have any questions or comments please send email to:     colpoda    @    3dham.com (remove the antispam spaces)