Spongilla lacustris Microsclere Spicule
This is from a core sample collected in Lake Washington,
Seattle, Washington.
Transmitted Brightfield Illumination
Definition/Function:
Spongilla lucustris is a freshwater sponge that is distributed widely around the world.
It possesses megasclere,
microsclere, and gemmule spicules.
Significance in the Environment:
Characteristic Features:
Associated Particles:
References:
Pennak, Robert W., FRESH-WATER INVERTEBRATES OF THE UNITED STATES, 2nd Ed., Wiley
Interscience, pp. 80-98, 1978.
(Identification Key for Freshwater Sponge Spicules)
Wilding, L.P. and L. R. Drees, "Distribution and implications of sponge spicules in
surficial deposits in Ohio",
THE OHIO JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 92-99, 1968.
(Transport Mechanisms for Spicules far from Lakes)
Kratz, T.K., K.E. Webster, C.J. Bowser, J.J. Magnuson, and B.J. Benson, "The influence
of landscape position on lakes in northern
Wisconsin", FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, vol. 37, pp209-217, 1997.
(Environmental Factors Favoring Production of Sponge Spicules)