Spirotrichosomidae

Hypermastigid (58-180 µm) with 2 types of flagellar bands, primary and secondary. The 2 flagellar bands, originating from the rostrum, form 2 spirals in the anterior region of the body. Thin longitudinal secondary bands bearing the flagella arise from the anterior part of these bands and extend to the posterior. Parabasal bodies not exactly situated and long axostylar fibrils present in the central cytoplasm. Four species in Stolotermes africanus. Light microscopy by Cleveland and Day (1958). No EM study. Type species: Apospironympha lata Cleveland & Day, 1958.

Hypermastigid (60-120 µm) with 2 types of flagellar bands, primary and secondary. The 2 flagellar bands originate from the rostrum, form 2 spirals in the anterior region of the body. Secondary thin longitudinal bands arise from them which subdivide. Secondary bands bear flagella in regularly spaced segments and reach the posterior end. Parabasal bodies not recognized; axostylar fibrils are in the central cytoplasm. Asexual reproduction only. Three species occurring in Stolotermes africanus. Light microscopic study by Cleveland and Day (1958). No EM study. Type species: Colospironympha cateia Cleveland & Day, 1958.

Species vary in size (55-395 µm); with 2 types of flagellar bands, primary and secondary. The 2 parabasal bands, originating from the rostrum, form 2 large spirals supporting the flagellar rows in the anterior part of the body. These bands become thinner and continue in the posterior part of the body. Parabasal bodies are in relation to these bands; axostyles form long fibrils in the endoplasm. Nucleus situated close to the rostrum. At division, secondary bands and flagella disappear and primary bands unwind. Asexual multiplication. They occur in all Stolotermes; 9 species described in Stolotermes of Australia. Light microscopic studies by Sutherland (1933), Helson (1935), and Cleveland and Day (1958). No EM study. Type species: Spirotrichosoma capitatum Sutherland, 1933.

The rostrum looks like that of Trichonymphidae, but flagella are in two bands lying side by side. Post-rostral flagellar rows are spiraled as in Spirotrichonymphidae, but in a clockwise direction. Parabasal threads and parabasal bodies are in relation to the flagellar bands. Axostyles are long, thin, and free, occasionally grouped in bundles.