This species is a member of the protozoan order Euglenida, a remarkable group of single-celled creatures, many of which exhibit characteristics of both plants and animals. Like many protozoans, they are free-living, using a whiplike flagellum to move about. Euglena is one of the euglenoid genera that contain chlorophyll, allowing them to create their own food through photosynthesis.
Euglena live in a variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and marine.
Several species produce resting cysts that can withstand drying. Euglena live in fresh and brackish water habitats rich in organic matter. Several colorless species are used to study cell growth and metabolism at high temperatures.