Calyptotricha pleuronemoides

Calyptotricha is the only lorica-dwelling scuticociliate. With its large undulating membrane constantly flapping like a torn flag, C. pleuronemoides is quite similar to the common Pleuronema, except that it happens to live in a transparent tube, open at both ends and gracefully widening in the middle to accommodate the creature’s oval body. Flagellates seem to be attracted to the mouth of the lorica (one gets eaten at 1:35).

Kahl gives a lorica size of 80 µm, and a cell size of 50 µm. This specimen is somewhat smaller. Cell length 34 µm Lorica length 58 µm

Collected in Mer Bleue conservation area, Ottawa, in mid May, 2013.

Olympus BHB 100X oil immersion obj. (1000X)