in vivo

Description:

Bursaria truncatella (Müller,1773), a large ciliate classified within the Colpodea. Broadly rounded posteriorly and truncate anteriorly with oral cavity opening apically. The posterior end of the funnel-shaped cytostome curves to left. Cirromembranelles wind in clock-wise fashion around the opening of the oral cavity and descend along the left side of the cytostome. Many small peripheral contractile vacuoles. The somatic ciliation is uniform. The macronucleus is long and band-like. There are many micronuclei. Bursaria is predatory, feeding on other protists and rotifers. Dark food vacuoles are seen in this image. From temporary rainwater pool in grassy field near Boise, Idaho. Brightfield.