in lorica

Description:

Tintinnidium, an oligotrich ciliate. The cell usually resides in an irregular gelatinous lorica to which particles adhere. The lorica is usually attached to the substrate. The organisms may be found free-swimming. When found in a lorica the cell is trumpet-shaped with a thin drawn out posterior that adheres to the base of the lorica. When free-swimming, the posterior of the cell becomes broadly rounded. A prominent adoral zone of membranelles is seen. The macronucleus is rounded. From a rainwater holding pond near Boise, Idaho. Bright field illumination.