Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool

Description

Appearance

Didymosphenia geminata is a freshwater, single cell, diatom (a type of algae) which attaches itself to a solid surface such as a rock with a stalk.It is light brown, brownish yellow, or white, looking very much like wet toilet paper. Didymosphenia geminata has the texture of wet wool or cotton, fibrous not slimy or slippery and is not easy to pull apart.

Reproduction

It can reproduce asexually, resulting in large mats. It is able to spread from a single drop of water containing the diatoms. It usually reproduces most readily in cooler temperatures but has been recently known to tolerant of warmer conditions.

Ecological Threat

Didymosphenia geminata can be found in a Found in rivers, streams, and lakes. Prefers flowing water sources. It blankets streams or lake beds; blocks plants from sunlight and animals that eat plants from reaching them; and greatly reduces dissolved oxygen content in water.

Uses

Landscape Ornamental Use (GRIN): No

All Uses (GRIN):

Distribution Map (EDDMapS)

Wetland Indicator

Summary: didymo, rock snot (Didymosphenia geminata) is a Aquatic species.

Legend (data from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

OBL (Obligate wetland): Almost always occurs in wetlands (estimated probability > 99%) under natural conditions

FACW (Facultative wetland): Usually occurs in wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in non-wetlands

FAC (Facultative): Equally likely to occur in wetlands (estimated probability 34% - 66%) or non-wetlands

FACU (Facultative upland): Usually occur in non-wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in wetlands (estimated probability 1% - 33%)

UPL (Obligate upland): Occur almost always (estimated probability > 99%) in non-wetlands under natural conditions

Taxonomic Rank

Resources

• Global Invasive Species Database - Invasive Species Specialist Group
• Fact Sheet - Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality