portrait, axostyle

Description:

Saccinobaculus (sax-in-o-back-you-lus) (snake-in-a-sack) is a highly active oxymonad flagellate in which the massive contractile axostyle inside the cell seems to have a life of its own. Axostyle curves around the anterior nucleus before extending the length of the cell and projecting from the back of the cell. Four flagella emerging from anterior right corner. Endobiotic in the gut of the wood-eating cockroach, Cryptocercus. Phase contrast.