Spirotontonia taiwanica n. sp. (Ciliophora: Oligotrichida) from the Coastal Waters of Northeastern Taiwan: Morphology and Nuclear Small Subunit rDNA Sequence

ABSTRACT. The marine oligotrichous ciliate Spirotontonia taiwanica n. sp. isolated from the coastal waters of northeastern Taiwan is reported, using live observation, protargol preparations and molecular data. The new species differs from the most similar, known congener Spirotontonia turbinata in the following features: (1) lower number of buccal membranelles (11–13 vs. 13–17); (2) higher number of whorls of girdle kinety (2.5 vs. 1.5); (3) lower number of macronuclear nodules (20–31 vs. 28–40); (4) larger cell size (80–104 × 40–72 vs. 44–75 × 29–56 μm); (5) larger anterior cell end to buccal vertex (50 vs. 33 μm); (6) larger ratio of cell length to cell width (1.74 vs. 1.38); (7) the different beginning of the girdle kinety (posterior to the buccal vertex vs. left of the buccal zone portion); and (8) the disappearance of the L‐shaped argyrophilic structures in the last half whorl and occasionally the first 1–10 dikinetids (i.e. yes vs. no). The molecular data also reveal two distinct species, deviating by 2% or 33% base pairs.     

Corticocolpoda kaneshiroae N. G., N. Sp., a New Colpodid Ciliate (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from the Bark of Ohia Trees in Hawaii

Corticocolpoda kaneshiroae n. g., n. sp. was discovered in the bark of Ohia trees (Metrosideros polymorpha) from the Hawaiian Archipelago. Its morphology and infraciliature were studied in live cells, with the scanning electron microscope, as well as in specimens impregnated with protargol, silver nitrate, and silver carbonate. The new genus, Corticocolpoda, belongs to the family Colpodidae and is unique in having a left oral ciliary field (polykinetid) composed of 13–20 equidistantly spaced, paired rows of monokinetids. The new species, C. kaneshiroae, measures 100–300 × 60–250 μm and has a huge vestibulum used to capture large food items, mainly other ciliates. The oral ciliary fields are within the vestibulum and of equal length; the right field is a paroral membrane composed of a single row of dikinetids. Several micronuclei are attached to the ellipsoid macronucleus. The mucocysts are inconspicuous and arranged around the somatic dikinetids. The resting cyst is globular and has a 1–2 μm thin, firm, yellowish inner wall and a 20-μm-thick, fragile, hyaline outer wall. Convergent evolutionary paths and a possible polyphyly of the Colpodidae are discussed. An improved key to the genera of the family Colpodidae is provided. Twenty-three species of ciliates and one flagel***iate (Hemimastix amphikineta), which occurred together with C. kaneshiroae, are new for the fauna of Hawaii and listed in the ecology section.     

THREE NEW BENTHIC SPECIES OF PROROCENTRUM (DINOPHYCEAE) FROM BELIZE: P. NORRISIANUM SP. NOV., P. TROPICALIS SP. NOV., and P. RETICULATUM SP. NOV.1

Three new benthic, photosynthetic dinoflagellate species, Prorocentrum norrisianum, Prorocentrum tropicalis, and Prorocentrum reticulatum, from floating detritus and coral rubble of Central America are described from scanning electron micrographs. Species were identified based on shape, size, surface micromorphology, thecal plate ornamentation, and architecture of the periflagellar area and intercalary band. Cells of P. norrisianum are ovate with a cell size of 20–25 μm long and 13–16 μm wide. The theca is delicate, its surface smooth, pores species specific with 95 to 105 pores per valve. Pores are round with a diameter of about 0.1 μm. The periflagellar area is V-shaped, located on the right valve in a shallow depression. It has no ornamentation. The flagellar and auxiliary pores are unequal in size. The intercalary band is smooth. Prorocentrum tropicalis cells are ovoid, 50–55 μm long and 40–45 μm wide in valve view with maximum width behind the middle region, narrow at the anterior end. The periflagellar area, situated in the right valve, is a V-shaped wide triangle with a deeply indented depression; the left valve exhibits a flat ridge. The periflagellar area is unornamented, and the flagellar and auxiliary pores are unequal in size. The valve surface is rugose with evenly distributed valve poroids. Each poroid appears to have a small dome in the center. The intercalary band is rimlike around the cell margin, granulated, and horizontally striated. Prorocentrum reticulatum cells are oblong in valve view; cells are 55–60 μm long and 40–45 μm wide. Thecal surface is reticulated; it is composed of a labyrinth of ridges with alternating depressions that vary in size and shape. Each depression has a narrow, oblong-kidney-shaped opening about 0.6 μm long. The periflagellar area is a deep, V-shaped triangle. The right valve of P. reticulatum is excavated, and contains a large flagellar pore and a smaller auxiliary pore surrounded by a narrow apical collar. The left valve margin exhibits a curved flat ridge. The intercalary band is smooth.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores. IV. Four New Species in Talpa europaea from England1

ABSTRACT. Moles from England were examined for coccidian oocysts and all 64 Talpa europaea were infected; of 64 infected hosts, 56 (88%) had multiple infections representing two to six coccidian species when examined. Oocysts in 31 of the 64 samples remained unsporulated. Three eimerians and one isosporan were studied from the 33 fecal samples that had sporulated oocysts and these are described as new species; Cyclospora talpae Pellérdy & Tanyi, 1968, and Isospora sofiae (Golemansky, 1978) Levine & Ivens, 1979, are redescribed; and Cyclospora sp., similar to C. talpae, is discussed. Sporulated oocysts of C. talpae are ellipsoidal, 14.3 × 9.6 (12–19 × 6–13) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 9.4 × 5.7 (6–13 × 4–8) μm; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 12.5 × 8.9 (10–14 × 6–12) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 8.6 × 5.3 (6–10 × 4–6) μm; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria avonensis n. sp. are elongate-ellipsoidal, 15.0 × 9.6 (13–20 × 7–12) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 6.6 × 3.6 (5–9 × 3–7) μm; it was found in 15 of the 33 (45.5%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria berea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 12.1 × 10.5 (10–15 × 8–14) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 6.3 × 3.9 (5–10 × 2–5) μm; it was found in 8 of the 33 (24.2%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria globula n. sp. are spheroidal, 20.9 × 19.9 (19–24 × 17–21) μm with sporocysts elongate-ovoid, 11.5 × 6.9 (9–16 × 6–9) μm; it was found in 3 of the 33 (9.1%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora sporopointaea n. sp. are subellipsoidal to ellipsoidal, 17.1 × 11.4 (13–21 × 8–14) μm with sporocysts ellipsoidal with both ends pointed, 11.9 × 5.9 (9–16 × 4–8) μm; it was found in 27 of the 33 (81.8%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of I. sofiae are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 12.2 × 11.0 (9–16 × 8–15) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 × 5.2 (6–13 × 3–8) μm; it was found in 25 of the 33 (75.8%) sporulated samples. To date, the coccidian parasites of talpids include two cyclosporans, 12 eimerians, and six isosporans, exclusive of the four new species described here.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores. II. Six New Species from Japanese Shrew Moles (Talpidae)1

ABSTRACT. Thirty-eight of 51 (74.5%) shrew moles collected in Japan were infected with from one to four species of Eimeria and/or Isospora including six of six Dymecodon pilirostris and 32 of 45 (71.1%) Urotrichus talpoides. Four eimerians and two isosporans were identified and all are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria amorphospora n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 21.1 × 17.9(18-25 × 16-21) μm. Sporocysts were amorphous, gelatinoid envelopes 20.3 × 7.5 (17–24 × 7–9) μm. Sporozoites were enclosed together within a membrane in each sporocyst. This species was found in 9 of 45 (20%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gonocilia n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 28.8 × 24.4 (25–30 × 21–28) μm; a highly ornate outer oocyst wall gave the appearance of a ciliated ball. Sporocysts ovoid, pointed at both ends, were 17.0 × 9.0 (15–19 × 7–11) μm; this species was found in 4 of 45 (8.9%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria talpoidei n. sp. were asymmetrical ovoid, 20.6 × 13.3 (18–23 × 12–15) μm, with sporocysts lacrimiform, 12.0 × 5.8 (10–14 × 5–7) μm. This species was found in 7 of 45 (15.6%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria honshuensis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 15.5 × 11.4 (13–18 × 10–13) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 × 5.2 (8–10 × 4–6) μm. This species was found in 10 of 45 (22.2%) U. talpoides and in 5 of 6 (83.3%) D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora dymecodi n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 15.8 × 12.6 (13–17 × 11–13) μm, with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.9 × 6.9 (10–13 × 6–8). This species was found in six of six D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora urotrichi n. sp. were spheroid/subspheroid, 13.4 × 12.4 (11–16 × 9–14) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.2 × 6.3 (8–11 × 5–7) μm. This species was found in 27 of 45 (60%) U. talpoides. Only 14 of 38 (36.8%) infected hosts (one D. pilirostris, 13 U. talpoides) were seen to be naturally infected with only one coccidian species when sampled.     

Gummy stem blight: One disease,three pathogens

Gummy stem blight (GSB) is a major disease of cucurbits worldwide. It is caused by three fungal species that are morphologically identical and have overlapping geographic and host ranges. Controlling GSB is challenging due to the lack of resistant cultivars and the pathogens' significant ability to develop resistance to systemic fungicides. The causal agent of GSB is recognized as a complex of three phylogenetically distinct species belonging to domain Eukaryota, kingdom Fungi, phylum Ascomycota, subphylum Pezizomycotina, class Dothideomycetes, subclass Pleosporomycetida, order Pleosporales, family Didymellaceae, genus Stagonosporopsis, species cucurbitacearum, citrulli, and caricae. Pycnidia are tan with dark rings of cells around the ostiole measuring 120–180 μm in diameter. Conidia are 6–13 μm long, hyaline, cylindrical with round ends, and non- or monoseptate. Pseudothecia are black and globose in shape and have a diameter of 125–213 μm. Ascospores are 14–18 × 4–6 μm long, hyaline, ellipsoidal with round ends, and monoseptate with a distinct constriction at the septum. Eight ascospores are found per ascus. The upper end of the apical cell is pointed, whereas the lower end of the bottom cell is blunt. Species-specific PCR primers that can be used in a multiplex conventional PCR assay are available. The GSB species complex is pathogenic to 37 species of cucurbits from 21 different genera. S. cucurbitacearum and S. citrulli are specific to cucurbits, while S. caricae is also pathogenic to papaya and babaco-mirim (Vasconcellea monoica), a related fruit. Under favourable environmental conditions, symptoms can appear 3–12 days after spore germination. Leaf spots often start at the leaf margin or extend to the margins. Spots expand and coalesce, resulting in leaf blighting. Active lesions are typically water-soaked. Cankers are observed on crowns, main stems, and vines. Red to amber gummy exudates are often seen on the stems after cankers develop on cortical tissue.     

Oospore dimensions and wall ornamentation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chara braunii</Emphasis>

Morphological features of oospores of a rarely noted species Chara braunii Gmel. were examined in a local population (fishpond near Tuplice village, Ziemia Lubuska region, mid-western Poland). The largest polar axis (LPA, length), largest equatorial diameter (LED, width), isopolarity index (ISI = LPA/LED* 100), and the number of ridges and width of fossa of 90 oospores were measured. Additionally, the oospore wall ornamentation pattern was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result, a cylindrical shape and the lack of so-called “shoulder” were found. Oospore length and width ranged between 466.8–600.1 μm and 250.1–366.7 μm, respectively, with the ISI index values between 148 and 213. The number of ridges was 8–10 and the width of fossa varied between 50.0 and 66.7 μm. The oospore width appeared to be the most changeable feature, whereas, by contrast, the number of ridges was the least variable character. Wall ornamentation can be described as tuberculate and a ribbon was present on the ridges. As a comparative material for the study performed, 9 oospores from Professor Izabela Dąmbska’s Collection of Charophytes of Poland were measured. It was evidenced that variation ranges of most of the features of Chara braunii oospores from Tuplice fishpond are similar to those of Professor Dąmbska’s herbarium materials and to data reported by authors from other countries as well. The morphology of reproductive structures does not follow the variation of thalli characteristics.     

Morphology and taxonomy of five marine sand-dwelling Thecadinium species (Dinophyceae) from Japan, including four new species: Thecadinium arenarium sp. nov., Thecadinium ovatum sp. nov., Thecadinium striatum sp. nov. and Thecadinium yashimaense sp. nov.

Thecadinium inclinatum Balech and four new marine sand‐dwelling species of the dinoflagellate genus Thecadinium are described from the sandy beaches along the coast of Shikoku, Japan. Thecadinium inclinatum is thecate, bilaterally flattened, elliptical in shape, non‐photosynthetic, and measures 55–75 μ in length and 43–59 μ in depth. The epi‐ and hypotheca theca are semielliptical and the thecal surface is smooth with small pores. The plate formula is Po (pore plate), 3′, 7″,?c,?s, 5″′1″′.Thecadinium ovatum sp. nov. is thecate, non‐photosynthetic, bilaterally flattened and almost oval in lateral view. The cell measures 40–50 μm in length and 33–40 μm in depth. The hypotheca has two or three strong antapical spines. The plate formula is 3′, 6″,6c, 5s?, 5″′, 1″′. Thecadinium striatum sp. nov. is thecate, non‐photosynthetic, bilaterally flattened and somewhat elliptical in lateral view. The cell is 33–41 μm long and 23–30 μm deep. Several striae are present on the hypotheca. The plate formula is 3′, 6″, 6c, 5s?, 5″′, 1″″. Thecadinium yashimaense sp. nov. is bilaterally flattened, photosynthetic and elliptical in ventral view. The cell is 44–65 μm long and 23–36 μm wide. The thecal surface is smooth with small pores. he cingulum forms a steep left–handed spiral. The plate formula is Po, 3′, la, 6″, 5c, 4s, 5″′, 1″′. Thecadinium arenarium sp. nov. is somewhat wedge‐shaped in ventral view, photosynthetic with brownish chloroplasts and almost rounded in cross section. The cingulum forms a steep left‐handed spiral. The cell measures 35–41 μm in length and 25–30 μm in width. The thecal surface is weakly reticulated with small pores. The hypotheca is conical. The plate formula is Po, 3′, la, 6″, 5c, 4s, 5″′, 1″″.     

THREE NEW BENTHIC SPECIES OF PROROCENTRUM (DINOPHYCEAE) FROM CARRIE BOW CAY,BELIZE: P. SABULOSUM SP. NOV., P. SCULPTILE SP. NOV., AND P. ARENARIUM SP. NOV.1

Three new benthic, sand-dwelling dinqflagellate species, Prorocentrum sabulosum, Prorocentrum scuptile, and Prorocentrum arenarium, from coral rubble are described from scanning electron micrographs. Species were identified based on shape, size, surface micromorphology, ornamentation of thecal plates, and architecture of the periflagellar area and intercalary band. Cells of P. sabulosum are oval with a cell size of 48–50 μm long and 41–48 μm wide. The areolae are round to oval and numerous (332–450 per valve) and range from 1 to 1.6 μm in size. The periflagellar area of P. sabulosum bears a wide V-shaped depression with a flat ridge and lacks ornamentation; it accommodates six pores: one large flagellar pore, an adjacent smaller auxiliary pore, and four pores of unknown function. The flagellar and auxiliary pores are surrounded by a narrow apical collar. The intercalary band of P. sabulosum is smooth. Prorocentrum sculptile cells are broadly oval, 32–37 nm long, and 30–32 μm wide in valve view with a deep-sculptured apical area. The valves are smooth and are marked with shallow depressions (856–975 per valve). Some of these depressions have a small round opening (0.13 μm in diameter). The periflagellar area is V-shaped with a deeply indented depression; it accommodates the two flagella and a thin angled apical plate. The intercalary band is smooth. Prorocentrum arenarium cells are nearly round in valve view 30–32 μm in diameter. Thecal surface is smooth with scattered kidney-shaped valve poroids (65–73 per valve) and marginal poroids (50–57 per valve). Length and width of poroids are 0.62 μm and 0.36 μm, respectively. The periflagellar area is an unornamented, broad triangle into which a large flagellar pore and a smaller auxiliary pore are fitted. Both flagella, longitudinal and transverse, protrude from the flagellar pore. The intercalary band is smooth. The presence of a peduncle-like structure (2–3 μm long) in P. arenarium was observed situated in the flagellar pore.     

Taxonomy,phylogeny and host-parasite interaction of two novel Myxobolus species infecting Brycon orthotaenia from the São Francisco River,Brazil

Two new Myxobolus species were described infecting Brycon orthotaenia from the São Francisco River, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From a total of 39 B. orthotaenia collected, two specimens (5.1%) exhibited infection of the ovary and 12 specimens (30.8%) displayed infection of the liver. The plasmodia of both Myxobolus species were white and spherical measuring around 1 mm in length. The plasmodium found in the ovary showed mature myxospores, which were oval shaped from the frontal view and measured 9.2–11.0 (9.8 ± 0.4) μm in length, 5.9–6.9 (6.5 ± 0.3) μm in width and 4.6–5 (4.9 ± 0.1) μm in diameter. The two polar capsules were the same size and measured 3.9–6.2 (4.7 ± 0.5) μm in length and 1.8–2.4 (2.1 ± 0.2) μm in width. The polar tubules had 9 coils. The plasmodium found in the liver showed mature myxospores which were ellipsoidal in shape from the frontal view and measured 10.0–11.4 (10.7 ± 0.5) μm in length, 7.3–8.6 (8.1 ± 0.4) μm in width and 5.3–7.0 (6.8 ± 0.4) μm in diameter. The two polar capsules were the same size and measured 4.2–5.4 (4.9 ± 0.3) μm in length and 1.9–2.9 (2.7 ± 0.3) μm in width. The polar tubules had 8 coils. Ultrastructural analysis revealed an asynchronous sporogenesis process, with young developmental myxospore stages more often found in the periphery of the plasmodium and mature myxospores in the centre of the plasmodium. The plasmodial wall was formed by a single membrane which was not surrounded by a layer of host tissue. A thick layer of fibrous material was found in the peripheral ectoplasm close to the plasmodial wall of the plasmodium found in the ovary. Phylogenetic analysis based on the small-subunit ribosomal DNA – ssrDNA sequences and using the closest myxozoan sequences to each one of the species studied here based on previous GenBank data and Henneguya/Myxobolus/Thelohanellus species parasitizing fish from South American, revealed that the new species are grouped in a subclade together with other Myxobolus species parasitizing bryconid hosts.     

Ichthyosporidium weissii n. sp. (Microsporidia) infecting the arrow goby (Clevelandia ios)

Gonadal infections by a novel microsporidium were discovered in 34% (13/38) of arrow gobies, Clevelandia ios, sampled over a 3‐yr period from Morro Bay Marina in Morro Bay, California. Gonadal tumors had been reported in arrow gobies from this geographic area. The infected gonads, found primarily in females, typically appeared grossly as large, white‐gray firm and lobulated masses. Histological examination revealed large, multilobate xenomas within the ovaries and no evidence of neoplasia. Typical of the genus Ichthyosporidium, the large xenomas were filled with developmental stages and pleomorphic spores. Wet mount preparations showed two general spore types: microspores with mean length of 6.2 (7.0–4.9, SD = 0.6, N = 20) μm and mean width of 4.3 (5.3–2.9, SD = 0.8) μm; and less numerous macrospores with mean length of 8.5 (10.1–7.1, SD = 1.0, N = 10) μm and mean width of 5.5 (6.2–4.8, SD = 0.5) μm. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated stages consistent with the genus and 35–50 turns of the polar filament. Small subunit rDNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the parasite from arrow gobies was most closely related to, but distinct from Ichthyosporidium sp. based on sequences available in GenBank. We conclude that this microsporidium represents a new species of Ichthyosporidium, the first species of this genus described from a member of the family Gobiidae and from the Pacific Ocean.     

MORPHOLOGY AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES OF THREE TOXIC SPECIES OF GAMBIERDISCUS (DINOPHYCEAE): G. PACIFICUS, SP. NOV., G. AUSTRALES, SP. NOV., AND G. POLYNESIENSIS, SP. NOV.

Three new dinoflagellate species, Gambierdiscus polynesiensis, sp. nov., Gambierdiscus australes, sp. nov., and Gambierdiscus pacificus, sp. nov., are described from scanning electron micrographs. The morphology of the three new Gambierdiscus species is compared with the type species Gambierdiscus toxicus Adachi et Fukuyo 1979, and two other species: Gambierdiscus belizeanus Faust 1995 and Gambierdiscus yasumotoi Holmes 1998. The plate formula is: Po, 3′, 7", 6C, 8S, 5‴, 1p, 2". Culture extracts of these three new species displayed both ciguatoxin- and maitotoxin-like toxicities. The following morphological characteristics differentiated each species. 1) Cells of G. polynesiensis are 68–85 μm long and 64–75 μm wide, and the cell’s surface is smooth. They are identified by a large triangular apical pore plate (Po), a narrow fish-hook opening surrounded by 38 round pores, and a large, broad posterior intercalary plate (1p) wedged between narrow postcingular plates 2‴ and 4‴. Plate 1p occupies 60% of the width of the hypotheca. 2) Cells of G. australes also have a smooth surface and are 76–93 μm long and 65–85 μm wide in dorsoventral depth. They are identified by the broad ellipsoid apical pore plate (Po) surrounded by 31 round pores and a long and narrow 1p plate wedged between postcingular plates 2‴ and 4‴. Plate 1p occupies 30% of the width of the hypotheca. 3) Cells of G. pacificus are 67–77 μm long and 60–76 μm wide in dorsoventral depth, and its surface is smooth. They are identified by the four-sided apical pore plate (Po) surrounded by 30 round pores. A short narrow 1p plate is wedged between the wide postcingular plates 2‴ and 4‴. Plate 1p occupies 20% of the width of the hypotheca. These three newly described species were also characterized by isozyme electrophoresis and DNA sequencing of the D8–D10 region of their large subunit (LSU) rRNA genes. The consistency between species designations based on SEM microscopy and classification inferred from biochemical and genetic heterogeneities was examined among seven isolates of Gambierdiscus. Their classification into four morphospecies was not consistent with groupings inferred from isozyme patterns. Three molecular types could be distinguished based on the comparison of their LSU rDNA sequences. Although G. toxicus TUR was found to be more closely related to G. pacificus, sp. nov. than to other G. toxicus strains, the molecular classification was able to discriminate G. polynesiensis, sp. nov. and G. australes, sp. nov. from G. toxicus. These results suggest the usefulness of the D8–D10 portion of the Gambierdiscus LSU rDNA as a valuable taxonomic marker.     

Eimeria indianensis sp. n. and an Isospora sp. from the Opossum Didelphis virginiana (Kerr)*

Two of 15 road-killed opossums examined for coccidia were found to be infected with a hitherto undescribed species of Eimeria, herein named Eimeria indianensis . The oocysts were spherical (63%) or slightly subspherical (37%) with a double-layered wall. The outer layer was ～1.5 μm thick, yellowish, striated, and appeared rough and pitted on the surface. A micropyle was absent. The spherical oocysts were 16.3 (13–18) μm in diameter; the subspherical ones, 17.6 (15–18) × 16.4 (14–17) μm. The sporocysts measured 9.1 (8–10) × 6.2 (6–7) μm and contained a granular residuum. The sporozoites were elongate, measuring 13.4 (13–15) × 1.8 (1.6-2.0) μm; no refractile globules were seen. The prepatent period was 10 days and the patent period ranged from 9–15 days. A few oocysts of an Isospora sp. were present in one opossum. It was not possible to confirm whether they were specifically of the opossum or of spurious origin.     

Ultrastructure and Description of a Fungus-Feeding Amoeba,Trichamoeba mycophaga n. sp. (Amoebidae,Amoebea), from Australia1

ABSTRACT. An amoeba isolated from a wheatfield and a forest soil in Australia has been identified as Trichamoeba mycophaga n. sp. Trophozoites of this amoeba are palmate to elongate and measure 45–136 μm in length and 25–94 μm in width. Amoebae in continuous locomotion may be limax with a villous-bulb uroid. Both the lobose pseudopodia and the advancing margin of a limax trophozoite bear an ectoplasmic crescent. The plasma membrane is coated with an electron-dense amorphous layer ca. 100 nm thick. Endoplasm is granular with elongate to bipyramidal crystals and contains bacterial endosymbionts. Trophozoites have a single, spherical to oval nucleus, 4–10 μm in diameter, which contains a centrally located, spherical to oval nucleolus, 2.8–5.0 μm in diameter. The nucleoplasm contains aggregations of filaments distributed radially within the nuclear membrane. Cysts are 21–60 μm in diameter, with ecto- and endocyst walls separated by an amorphous layer.     

BATRACHOSPERMUM HETEROCORTICUM SP. NOV. AND POLYSIPHONIA SUBTILISSIMA (RHODOPHYTA) FROM FLORIDA SPRING-FED STREAMS1

Polysiphonia subtilissima Mont. Is reported for the first time from a freshwater environment. The presence of four pericentral cells, subdichotomous branching, apical trichoblasts and rhizoids arising from pericentral cells combined with a lack of cortication and reproductive cells is consistent with marine populations of this species. The range of filament length is 1.4–4.7 cm. Branch diameters are 38–76 μm and pericentral cell lengths are 58–125 μm. Batrachospermum heterocorticum sp. nov. is distinguished primarily by a developmental change in cortical filaments from typical cylindrical cells (5.0–7.9 μm diam in initial stages to enlarged, elliptical cells (12.9–24.1 μm diam) in mature axes. Another unique feature of this species is carpogonia with cylindrical, pedicellate trichogynes on stringht carpogonial branches in mid to outer portions of lateral whorls. Other characteristics of B. heterocorticum include the following: olive-green color, 2–6 cm length, dichotomous to trichotomous fascicles in 4–7 tiers, 385–647 μm whorl diameters, 109–198 μm carpospore diameters and relatively small “chantransia” filaments.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores. VI. Six New Species from the Eastern Mole,Scalopus aquaticus1

ABSTRACT Thirteen eastern moles, Scalopus aquaticus, collected in West Texas were examined for coccidian oocysts; 11 (85%) were infected and eight (73%) of these had multiple infections representing two or more species. One cyclosporan, three eimerians, and two isosporans were studied and all are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora megacephali n. sp. were subspheroidal, 18.5 × 15.7 (14–21 × 12–18) μm; they had sporocysts pointed at one end with Stieda bodies nearly as wide as the sporocysts themselves, and were 15.0 × 7.2 (11–17 × 6–9) μm; C. megacephali was found in four (31%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria scalopi n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 13.6 × 12.6 (11–17 × 11–15) μm with sporocysts lemon-shaped, 8.7 × 5.5 (7–10 × 4–7) μm; it was found in six (46%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria aquatici n. sp. were asymmetrically ellipsoidal, 17.0 × 10.6 (14–20 × 9–14) μm, with sporocysts elongately ovoidal, 9.0 × 5.2 (8–11 × 4–6) μm; it was found in two (15%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria motleiensis n. sp. were subspheroidal, 17.0 × 15.3 (15–20 × 13–18) μm with sporocysts ovoidal, 10.7 × 6.8 (10–13 × 6–8) μm; it was found in seven (54%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora motleiensis n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 13.6 × 12.0 (10–17 × 8–15) μm with sporocysts broadly ovoidal, 9.5 × 6.7 (7–11 × 4–8) μm; it was found in nine (69%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora aquatici n. sp. were subspheroidal, 20.9 × 18.4 (15–24 × 13–21) μm with sporocysts ellipsoidal, 11.8 × 9.0 (9–14 × 7–11) μm; it was found in two (15%) hosts.     

The Oocysts of Eimeria vermiformis sp. n. and E. papillata sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Mouse Mus musclus

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria vermiformis sp. n. and E. papillata sp. n. are described from the mouse Mus musculus. The sporulated oocysts of E. vermiformis are 18–26 by 15–21 μ (mean 23.1 by 18.4 μ); its sporocysts are 11–14 by 6–10 μ (mean 12.8 by 7.9 p). The sporulated oocysts of E. papillata are 18–26 by 16–24 μ (mean 22.4 by 19.2 μ); its sporocysts are 10–13 by 6–9 μ (mean 11.2 by 8.0 μ). A substiedal body is present in E. papillata sporocysts. Patent infections were produced in white laboratory mice with both species. Fourteen species of Eimeria have now been described from the genus Mus.     

THE PHLOEM OF ETAPTERIS LECLERCQII AND BOTRYOPTERIS TRIDENTATA

The phloem of Etapteris leclercqii and Botryopteris tridentata petioles is described from Lower Pennsylvanian coal balls. Petioles of B. tridentata are characterized in transverse section by an omega-shaped xylem trace, a phloem zone which extends from 2-10 cells in width, and 2-parted cortex. Etapteris leclercqii petioles exhibit a 4–9 cell-wide phloem zone surrounding the central clepsydroid xylem mass, and a 3-parted cortex. In both taxa a 1–2 cell layer parenchyma sheath separates the xylem from the extra-xylary tissues. The phloem of both species consists of sieve elements that average about 20 μm in diam by 200 μm in length in Botryopteris, and 100 μm in length in Etapteris, with horizontal-slightly oblique end walls. In transmitted light, the radial walls of the sieve elements form an irregular reticulate pattern enclosing elliptical lighter areas. With the scanning electron microscope, these areas appear as horizontal-slightly oblique furrows on the cell wall, with many small indentations lining the furrows. These indentations, because of their regular occurrence and size (from a few fractions of a micron up to 1.0 μm in diam), are interpreted as sieve pores, and the elliptical areas that enclose them as sieve areas. The phloem of E. leclercqii and B. tridentata is compared with that described for other fossil genera and with that of extant ferns.