portrait

Description:

Stylonychia, a widely distributed hypotrich ciliate. The dorsoventrally flattened body is elongate and broadly rounded anteriorly, narrowing posteriorly. The adoral zone of membranelles is strongly developed and rests on an anteriorly protruding collar. The two rows of marginal cirri are slightly out of the focal plane in this image. They do not meet posteriorly. The three characteristic caudal cirri are seen here. There are short dorsal cilia (not seen here). Two ellipsoid macronuclei are visible in this image. One of two small spherical micronuclei is seen at the inferior margin of the posterior macronucleus. This individual has been feeding on diatoms and green algae. From freshwater pond near Boise, Idaho. Brightfield illumination.