whole cell, holdfast

Description:

Pyrsonympha (pierce-o-nymph-a) is an oxymonad flagellate, a group found as endobionts within termites etc. This one came from Reticulotermes. Pyrsonympha may or may not have an anterior holdfast as can be seen here, four - eight flagella, typically adhering to the cell surface. With an axostyle which may or may not emerge from the end of the cell (not here). Not all cells have the associated epibiotic bacteria. Differential interference contrast.