Update: this ciliate is a Litonotus sp., a Haptorian ciliate closely related to Dileptus and Didinium – the long narrow things in the body are toxicysts which are a Haptorian synapomorphy, used to paralyse their prey (usually other ciliates). [h/t DH Lynn]
Update: this ciliate is a Litonotus sp., a Haptorian ciliate closely related to Dileptus and Didinium – the long narrow things in the body are toxicysts which are a Haptorian synapomorphy, used to paralyse their prey (usually other ciliates). [h/t DH Lynn]
PsiWavefunction 10 months ago