Unidentified Peritrich

[gpmatthews]

Microscope: Zeiss Standard GFL
Ocular: Zeiss Kpl W 10/18
Objective: Leitz 40/0.7 ICT NPL Fluotar
Subsage: Leitz ICT
Differential Interference Contrast
Flash

These aloricate epiphytic peritrichs occurred as individuals with short indistinct stalks (not contractile). Nearest I can find in Jahn or Patterson is Rhabdostyla, but Jahn says they are found on copepods. So, any ideas on identity?

[Erik]

Hello Matthews,

Nice shot!!! Maybe it is Scyphidia constricta, but I'm not sure. How was the sureface of the peritrich?

Erik

[bernhardinho]

Hi Graham

well, Rhabdostyla belongs to the family Epistylidae and doesn't feature a lorica!! So we can surely exclude that one.

To come up with a better idea, one needs to see more details. I would sort of guess on either Thuricola kellicottiana or a Cothurnia of some sort.


Bernhard

[bernhardinho]

Hi again

just found out that I fell into a language trap: " aloricate" means "without lorica", right? My dictionary is just not hip enough

So forget about the nonsense I wrote above

Although, having said that I sort of discern something like a lorica there, but may be it`s just an illusion


See you

Bernhard

[gpmatthews]

Sorry, Bernhard, it wasn't a deliberate trap , honestly!

This animalcule does not have a lorica. The body itself is contractile, although I agree the DIC image makes it look like it has lorica-like margins.

[bernhardinho]

Graham

I just discovered the peritrich group of the Aloricata in Kahl. So I take this as being a technical term and not an average english word, is it? Which would excuse myself

Actually I didn't know this group. What I read in the book by Kahl, is that these critters have given up sessile life. One exception being Scyphidia and I think Erik could have hit it there


Cheers Bernhard