First data on testate amoebae in speleothems of caves in igneous rocks

Abstract

The testate amoebae form part of the habitual troglobios in caves developed in igneous rocks (plutonic and volcanic) where the little light, the persistence of humidity, the availability of silica and organic matter allow these protozoa to develop their biological cycle. This work presents a first inventory of species of amoebae testate identified in caves in igneous rocks from different parts of the World.