Patinella verrucaria versus Disporella hispida

Disporella hispida and Patinella verrucaria are bryozoans that both belong to the family Lichenoporidae. They belong to different genera, but are very similar to each other, and can be difficult to identify. Fortunately, there are some features that distinguish them, and this post will discuss some of them.

To identify these species, it is easiest to start with determining what genus you are dealing with. As previously mentioned, both species belong to the family Lichenoporidae. This family is characterized by (usually) round colonies with zooids that "radiate" from the center of the colony. The center of the colony is usually where the gonozooids develop (the brooding chamber). The ooeciostome (where the larvae are released) is species-specific and can be helpful when identifying Disporella hispida and Patinella verrucaria. There are also some empty spaces between the zooids, and these "holes" are called alveoli. The appearance of these is also a character that can be used for identification.

A black and white electron microscope image of Patinella verrucaria
Patinella verrucaria. Photo: Mali H. Ramsfjell
A black and white electron microscope image of Disporella hispida
Disporella hispida. Photo: Mali H. Ramsfjell

The appearance of the alveoli differs between the two species. In Disporella hispida, they will eventually be partially filled with calcification, leaving a small "hole" in the center. This type of calcification is not found in Patinella verrucaria. There, the alveoli are open tubes that can, as the colony ages, be covered by an overlaying “blanket” of calcification in the middle of the colony.

A black and white electron microscope image showing the alveoli in Patinella verrucaria
The alveoli in Patinella verrucaria by the growing edge of the colony. Part of the gonozooid is also present. Photo: Mali H. Ramsfjell
A black and white electron microscope image showing the alveoli of Disporella hispida
The characteristic alveoli in Disporella hispida. Photo: Mali H. Ramsfjell

The appearance of the ooeciostome also differs. In Patinella verrucaria, it is a flaring funnel while in Disporella hispida it is a short tube. The gonozooid in P. verrucaria is always located in the middle of the colony and spreads outwards, while in D. hispida you can find several gonozooids that are either located in the middle of the colony or between rows of zooids.

A black and white electron microscope image showing the ooeciostome of Patinella verrucaria
The ooeciostome of Patinella verrucaria (to the left). Unfortunately, we do not have an image of the ooeciostome of Disporella hispida. Photo: Mali H. Ramsfjell

Both species usually form quite small colonies, but Disporella hispida can form large, compound colonies that can be up to 1.5 cm in diameter.

Note: There is probably a lot of cryptic diversity in this family, so we probably have more species in this family than we know about.

References:

Hayward, P.J. & Ryland, J.S. 1985. Cyclostome Bryozoans. Synopses of the British Fauna (New Series), 34, 147pp. The Linnean Society of London 34.

By Mali Hamre Ramsfjell
Published Apr. 16, 2026 11:09 AM - Last modified Apr. 16, 2026 11:09 AM
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