Centropyxis stolata
Centropyxis stolata, after Bonnet, 1975

Centropyxis stolata  Bonnet, 1975

Diagnosis: Shell of a simple plagiostome type with axial symmetry and a flat ventral base, without concavity. Shell covering composed of generally reworked siliceous particles, cemented by an abundant, fibrous, chitinoid substance of dark brown color. Pseudostome slightly off-center, approximately circular, without lips or ridges, sealed at rest by a mucous epiphragm, matching the shell in color and blending perfectly with the normal coating. From a dorsal view, circular contour but sometimes showing a slight elliptical tendency. This tendency towards bilateral symmetry is also evident in the presence of an aggregation of siliceous particles firmly attached to the shell, forming a sort of colorless trail.

Dimensions: According to Bonnet (1975): (excluding the particle aggregation) Shell length 95—110 µm; width 85—91 µm; aperture approximately 15 µm.
My measurement on a single shell from Milacka II cave, Croatia (2024): Shell diameter 74 µm; aperture diameter 15 µm.

Ecology: According to Bonnet (1975): Found in moist, alkaline soils rich in organic matter, in gallery forests, backwater areas, on amphibolites. This species coexists with Pseudawerintzewia calcicola. 

Geographical distribution: Region of the Lamto Savanna, Côte d’Ivoire, Africa.
Miljacka II Cave, Krka National Park, Croatia.

Centropyxis stolata
Centropyxis stolata, from sediment in sinterpool, Miljacka II Cave, Croatia (2024)
Ferry Siemensma, created March 17, 2025; last modified February 23, 2026
Recent posts