Algae and cyanobacteria
Desmids
Desmids (Closterium, Micrasterias, Cosmarium)
Green algae made of two mirror-image halves joined at a narrow waist. Some of the most beautiful cells under the microscope.
What to look for
- Two symmetrical halves; in many species a clear notch in the middle.
- Closterium: crescent shape with a small vacuole at each tip where crystals dance.
- Micrasterias: a flat, deeply cut disc like a snowflake; Cosmarium: small, two round halves.
Size in the field
Closterium can be a fifth of the field at 100×; most others need 400×.
Where to find it
Clean, slightly acid water: bog pools and Sphagnum moss.
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