Pellicular detail in vivo

Description:

Pellicular detail of the free-swimming peritrich ciliate, Astylozoon faurei (complex). Since A. faurei and A. enriquesi differ only by the macronuclear morphology (reniform in the former and C-shaped in the latter) and since overlap in this feature between individuals, Foissner has grouped these two species into "Astylozoon faurei complex" (See Foissner, W., Berger, H. and Schaumburg, J.: Identification of Limnetic Plankton Ciliates. Bavarian State Office for Water Management. Munich, 1999; pp. 455-459). The pellicle is marked by conspicuous transverse striae (seen here). In this population the transversely oriented C-shaped macronucleus is equatorial. Collected from a temporary rainwater pool containing dead grass near Boise, Idaho March 2005. DIC.