Ultra-structure and Biometry of Three Lobose Testate Amoebae of the Family Lesquereusiidae (Tubulinea: Arcellinida) Based on Specimens from Sao Paulo, Brazil

The family Lesquereusiidae is characterized by the presence of endogenous siliceous particles aggregated to the test. This paper redescribes three species in the family, namely: Netzelia wailesi (Ogden, 1980), Lesquereusia modesta Rhumbler, 1875 and Lesquereusia mimetica Penard, 1911 collected at the Tiete River Ecological Park and the Atlantic Rainforest Ecological Reserve of Serra do Japi, both in Sao Paulo (Brazil). The ultra-struture of the giant testate amoeba L. mimetica is revealed for the first time. We used a large number of individuals, and compared them to previous descriptions regarding morphology, ultra-structure, biometry, ecology and geographical distributions. New distinguishing traits are discussed for each species, such as idiosome shape and internal test architecture. Apparent habitat preferences and geographic distribution for each species is reviewed. The circumscription of the family is discussed based on deeper investigation of characters.