Trachelophyllid ciliate, possibly Trachelophyllum apiculatum

Members of the family Trachelophyllidae are distinguished by a layer of ornate scales (lepidosomes) that surround the cell. The shape of the scales differs from one genus to the next. This specimen might be Trachelophyllum apiculatum, a fairly small member of the genus. Mildly contractile, variously flask-shaped and lanceolate, sometimes slightly narrowed in the middle; with two ovoid macronuclei, and many loose trichites in the cytoplasm.

Body length 140 µm

From Mer Bleue bog, in Ottawa. Collected in early May. Olympus BHB 40X, 100X oil immersion obj. (400X, 1000X)