Species of Stylonychia are very common in fresh water and soil, and may be found on filamentous algae, surface films, and among particles of sediment.

The cirri on the ventral surface of the cell can function as legs, enabling the organism to walk along solid substrates, such as submerged algae, leaves or debris.

[2] The region around the cell mouth (cytostome) is partially encircled by a series of compound cilia which make up the "adoral zone of membranelles", or AZM.

This structure, which resembles the collar and lapel of a jacket, is used mainly to circulate water and brush particles of food into the organism's cell mouth.

At the posterior of the cell are three long, stiff "caudal cirri", attached to the body at the lower margin of its dorsal surface.