Fauna
Invertebrate

Colpoda cucullus

Colpoda cucullus

Renowned for its distinctive kidney-shaped cell, this single-celled ciliate thrives in soil, moss, and temporary freshwater pools across the globe. It plays a foundational role in soil microbial food webs by consuming vast quantities of bacteria and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. When moisture vanishes, it secretes a tough protective wall to enter cryptobiosis as a dormant cyst, surviving complete desiccation for months or years until water returns.

MicroscopicCiliateBacterivore
Colpoda cucullus reference1 / 2
(c) Igor Shelpiakov, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBacteria, Cyanobacteria
Predators
  • Predatory nematodes
  • Rotifers
  • Amoebae
ThreatsSevere soil pollution, intensive chemical treatments
HabitatsTopsoil, leaf litter, moss, ephemeral freshwater pools
Life spanDays as active trophont, years as dormant cyst
Classification
  1. OrderColpodida
  2. FamilyColpodidae
  3. GenusColpoda
  4. SpeciesColpoda cucullus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Sample collection: Moisten dry moss or rich garden soil with distilled water to revive dormant cysts within hours.
  • Microscopy: Use 100x to 400x magnification with phase-contrast or brightfield lighting to track its rolling swim.
Related species
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