Description: The cells are (6)–7–10–(11) times longer than they are wide, straight in the middle segment, slightly curved towards the cell ends. These are broadly rounded and have a cap-like shape due to a bulging wall thickening, end vacuoles with several crystals. The cell wall has belt bands and clear, wide-set ribs. Both the different shape of the cell ends and the cell wall structure are the main distinguishing features from the morphologically very similar Closterium striolatum.

Dimension: Length (200)–250–400–(550) µm, width (25)–30–45–(60) µm.

Occurrence:  Similar to Closterium striolatum, it is widespread in wet meadows, fens, and shore areas of lakes and ponds.

Left: Original graphic by Prof. Lenzenweger.
Right: Photomicrograph by Prof. Lenzenweger. For microphotography, the microscope illumination was adjusted in such a way that as many features as possible that are important for species identification are prominently displayed.

Copyright by Prof. Rupert Lenzenweger, Ried im Innkreis, Austria.