Morphology and phylogeny of a new urostylid ciliate, Monocoronella carnea n. g., n. sp. (Ciliophora, Hypotricha) from Daya Bay, Southern China

The morphology, infraciliature and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene-based phylogeny of an urostylid ciliate, Monocoronella carnea n. g., n. sp., found in coastal areas off Daya Bay, Southern China, were investigated. The new genus Monocoronella n. g. is recognized by the following features: having conspicuous frontal cirri forming a long and single corona; buccal and frontoterminal cirri present; single marginal row on each side; adoral zone, midventral complex and transverse cirri in Pseudokeronopsis mode. The type species M. carnea n. sp. is diagnosed by the combination of marine habitat and brown-reddish color of the cortical granules. Phylogenetic analyses for the new taxon indicate that Monocoronella n. g. is most closely related to Bergeriella, and is located within the core Urostylida clade. A misidentification in previous literature was recognized and a new species, Monocoronella dragescoi n. sp. [Basionym: Holosticha (Keronopsis) monilata (Kahl 1928) sensu Dragesco (1970) et sensu Dragesco and Dragesco-Kernéis (1986), non sensu Kahl (1928)], was suggested.     

Saccharomycomorpha psychra n. g., n. sp., a Novel Member of Glissmonadida (Cercozoa) Isolated from Arctic and Antarctica

A novel genus and species within the order Glissmonadida (Cercozoa, Rhizaria), Saccharomycomorpha psychra n. g., n. sp., is described from lichen in the Ny-Ålesund region (High Arctic) and moss in the Fildes peninsula of King George Island (Maritime Antarctica). Cells were spherical and did not appear to present flagella in organic-rich Potato Dextrose Agar medium where they were able to feed osmotrophically. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequence demonstrated that Saccharomycomorpha psychra belong to “clade T” within the order Glissmonadida (Cercozoa, Rhizaria). All three investigated strains could grow at 4 °C and had an optimum growth temperature of 12 °C, 20 °C, and 20 °C, while a maximum growth temperature of 20 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C, respectively. In conclusion, we established the phenotypic identity of “clade T,” which until now was exclusively detected by environmental sequences, and erect a new family Saccharomycomorphidae for “clade T.” Nomenclatural, morphological and ecological aspects of this novel species are discussed.     

Tunicothrix rostrata n. g., n. sp., a new urostylid ciliate (Ciliophora, Stichotrichia) from the Yellow Sea

The morphology and infraciliature of a new ciliate, Tunicothrix rostrata n. g., n. sp., isolated from the Yellow Sea, are investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation. Tunicothrix rostrata measures about 160 x 40 mum in vivo, and has a frontal beak-like protrusion, a conspicuous cortical alveolar layer, two right marginal rows, and usually three distinct midventral pairs. The discovery of T. rostrata enables us to reconsider the classification of Erniella wilberti, a curious ciliate with obscure midventral pairs. Both species are highly similar in overall appearance and nuclear and ciliary pattern. Thus, they are united in a new genus of the family Urostylidae, Tunicothrix, and E. wilberti is transferred to Tunicothrix: Tunicothrix wilbertiLin and Song, 2004 n. comb. By contrast, Erniella filiformis, type species of Erniella, has several ventral rows and does not belong to the urostylids. Tunicothrix rostrata is easily distinguished from T. wilberti by its beak-like anterior protrusion and by the distinctly elongated right marginal row 2, which curves anteriorly on the dorsal side of the cells. Tunicothrix is closely related to Parabirojimia, differing by the invariably two (vs. five-eight) right marginal rows and the conspicuous (vs. ordinary) alveolar layer, a unique feature in urostylid ciliates.     

Two New Marine Ciliates,Caryotricha rariseta n. sp. and Discocephalus pararotatorius n. sp. (Ciliophora,Spirotrichea), with Phylogenetic Analyses Inferred from the Small Subunit rRNA Gene Sequences

The morphology, infraciliature, and molecular phylogeny of two novel spirotrich ciliates, Caryotricha rariseta n. sp. and Discocephalus pararotatorius n. sp., isolated from coastal waters of China, were investigated. Caryotricha rariseta n. sp. differs from its congeners mainly in possessing seven sparsely ciliated cirral rows that are conspicuously shortened posteriorly and three transverse cirri aligned in a row. Discocephalus pararotatorius n. sp. is characterized by the conspicuous spine‐like dorsal cilia, one extra (endoral?) membrane, and seven frontal, six ventral, and seven posterolateral marginal cirri. The small subunit rRNA gene was sequenced for both species. Complete SSU rRNA gene sequences of two Caryotricha spp. (including C. rariseta n. sp.) and two Discocephalus spp. (including D. pararotatorius n. sp.), along with those of 40 other ciliates, were used to determine their molecular phylogeny using maximum likelihood, neighbor joining and maximum parsimony analyses. The two Caryotricha species cluster with Kiitricha marina in the well‐supported Protohypotrichia clade that is basal to the main spirotrich assemblage. The two discocephalids form a clade that is sister to the Hypotrichia.     

Cinetozona pyriformis n. g., n. sp.: a Relative of the Ciliate Genera Urozona and Cinetochilum (Ciliophora, Scuticociliatida)

Cinetozona pyriformis n. g., n. sp. is a very small scuticociliate recently found in a freshwater artificial pond in Madrid, Spain. This new ciliate is here described using silver impregnation techniques. C. pyriformis bears a girdle of cilia near the equator ot the cell, similar to the genus Urozona Schewiakoff, 1889, while the oral structures resemble those in the genus Cinetochilum Perty, 1852. The ciliate's systematic position is discussed, and its inclusion in the family Cinetochilidae is proposed.     

Epistylis portoalegrensis n. sp. (Ciliophora,Peritrichia): A New Freshwater Ciliate Species from Southern Brazil

The peritrich ciliate Epistylis portoalegrensis n. sp. was found in two bodies of freshwater located in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Morphological features were investigated using live and protargol‐stained specimens. The zooids presented a vase to cylindrical shape narrowed at the scopula, and a mean size of 131 × 37 μm in vivo. A C‐shaped macronucleus lay in the middle of the cell close to a single contractile vacuole. The oral infraciliature was typical for the genus, with all infundibular polykineties composed by three distinct rows of kinetosomes. Colonies are often nonbranched with no lateral stalk, carrying several zooids stemming from a single point. Specimens from the two sampling sites showed identical arrangement of the infraciliature, similar morphometry, identical 18S rDNA sequences, and a single nucleotide difference across the more variable ITS regions. Molecular phylogenetic analyses placed E. portoalegrensis in a well‐supported clade containing other Epistylis species, within the order Vorticellida.     

Esquamula lacrimiformis n. g., n. sp., a New Member of Thaumatomonads that Lacks Siliceous Scales

We report a new naked cercozoan flagellate, Esquamula lacrimiformis n. g., n. sp., collected from a sandy beach in Japan. Its cells were 4.5–11.3 μm in length and 3.9–8.8 μm in width and possess two unequal flagella. Cells move in a smooth gliding motion and have a trailing long posterior flagellum. Phylogenetic analyses with small and large subunit ribosomal RNA genes revealed that E. lacrimiformis forms a novel lineage within the Thaumatomonadida, the members of which are flagellates with siliceous scales. However, our light and electron microscopic observations indicated that E. lacrimiformis cells do not possess any siliceous structures. Furthermore, other morphological characteristics, such as the shape of the extrusomes and the structural arrangement of the microbody, were clearly different from those of previously described thaumatomonads. On the basis of a combination of these morphological observations and our phylogenetic analyses, we conclude that E. lacrimiformis should be treated as a new species of a new genus and placed into a new family, Esquamulidae n. fam., under Thaumatomonadida.     

Morphology,Cell Division,and Phylogeny of Uroleptus longicaudatus (Ciliophora,Hypotricha), a Species of the Uroleptus limnetis Complex

A Chinese population of the little‐known freshwater hypotrich Uroleptus longicaudatus was investigated with emphasis on its living morphology and infraciliature. The characteristic, tripartite body consists of a narrowed (cephalized) anterior portion, a slender trunk, and a long, slender, and strongly contractile tail occupying up to 30% of body length. Contracted specimens with a tail length of about 12% closely resemble Uroleptus limnetis which has, like U. longicaudatus, its type locality on the East Coast of the United States so that it cannot be excluded that these two species are synonymous. Thus, we propose to subsume these and few other little‐known species, which are not clearly distinguishable at the present state of knowledge, as U. limnetis complex. The morphogenesis of U. longicaudatus proceeds as in most congeners. The phylogenetic analyses reveal that Uroleptus is a monophyletic group, but due to the lack of detailed morphological data of the populations sequenced so far, the relationships within this taxon remain obscure. For the objective determination of the tail length of hypotrichs, we propose the “1/3‐method”, which says that the tail commences at that body width which corresponds one‐third of the maximum width. Paruroleptus ophryoglena Gelei, 1954 is transferred to Uroleptus: Uroleptus ophryoglena (Gelei, 1954) comb. nov.     

Two New Endozoic Ciliates,Clevelandella lynni sp. n. and Nyctotherus galerus sp. n., Isolated from the Hindgut of the Wood‐feeding Cockroach Panesthia angustipennis (Illiger, 1801)

Two new ciliate species, Clevelandella lynni sp. n. and Nyctotherus galerus sp. n., were discovered in the hindgut of wood‐feeding panesthiine cockroaches. Their morphology was studied using standard methods, and their phylogenetic positions within the order Clevelandellida were determined using the 18S rRNA gene sequences. Clevelandella lynni is characterized by a prominent peristomial projection, a notched left body margin, a tear‐shaped to broadly ovoidal macronucleus, a karyophore attached to the right body margin, and by an adoral zone composed of on average 48 membranelles and extending about 51% of body length. The diagnostic features of N. galerus include a short posterior body projection, a spherical to broadly ellipsoidal macronucleus, a karyophore attached to the right and left body margins, refractile bodies densely packed anterior to the macronucleus, and an adoral zone composed of on average 57 membranelles and extending about 70% body length. The order Clevelandellida was consistently depicted as monophyletic in 18S rRNA gene phylogenies. Nyctotherus galerus was placed in the paraphyletic family Nyctotheridae, as sister taxon to all other Nyctotherus and Clevelandella species isolated from cockroaches. Clevelandella lynni fell in the monophyletic family Clevelandellidae, as sister taxon to C. panesthiae KC139718 but with very poor statistical support.     

Morphology and phylogeny of Bryophryoides ocellatus n. g., n. sp. (Ciliophora,Colpodea) from in situ soil percolates of Idaho,U.S.A.

We describe the morphology and 18S rDNA phylogeny of Bryophryoides ocellatus n. g., n. sp., a bryophryid ciliate inhabiting in situ soil percolates from Idaho, U.S.A. The new genus is distinguished from other bryophryid genera by a combination of the following features: (1) kreyellid (irregularly meshed) silverline pattern, (2) polymorphic adoral organelles in the preoral suture, (3) absence of vestibular kineties. In phylogenetic analyses, Bryophryoides ocellatus is most closely related to Bryophrya gemmea. The 18S rDNA sequence pairwise distance of 2% between these genera, while similar to that between many colpodidan species, exceeds that between some colpodidan genera (e.g. Mykophagophrys and Pseudoplatyophrya, 1.1%), further supporting establishment of the new genus. Topology hypothesis testing strongly supports the monophyly of the Colpodida including the bryophryids. Despite weak nodal support, tests of topology constraints narrowly reject the non-monophyly of the sequenced Bryophryidae (Bryophrya + Bryophryoides + Notoxoma). Likewise, the monophyletic origin of the sequenced Bryophryidae is indicated in the phylogenetic networks though with low support.     

Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Apoterritricha lutea n. g., n. sp. (Ciliophora,Spirotrichea, Hypotrichia): A Putative Missing Link Connecting Cyrtohymena and Afrokeronopsis

A new hypotrichous ciliate, Apoterritricha lutea n. g., n. sp., was discovered in a sample of a terrestrial liverwort from Korea. Its morphology was studied using detailed in vivo observation and protargol impregnation. Its phylogenetic relationships were revealed by analyses of the 18S rRNA gene. This new taxon is characterized by a combination of the following traits: (i) ellipsoidal to narrowly ellipsoidal body with an average size of 230 × 85 μm; (ii) two macronuclear nodules and two to five micronuclei; (iii) golden yellow cortical granules, forming small groups along the microtubular appendages of cirri, adoral membranelles, and dorsal kineties; (iv) typically three frontal cirri, one buccal cirrus, four frontoventral cirri, seven midventral cirri, two pretransverse cirri, seven transverse cirri, ca. 38 left, and ca. 36 right marginal cirri; and (v) on average six dorsal kineties, three dorsomarginal kineties, and three caudal cirri. In molecular phylogenies, A. lutea clusters with strong support within a clade containing Afrokeronopsis aurea and several “typical” oxytrichids having golden yellow to brown cortical granules. In this light we propose a hypothesis that is not unambiguously rejected by the present phylogenetic analyses, which shows how the Afrokeronopsis‐like pattern could have evolved from a Rubrioxytricha‐like ancestor via an Apoterritricha‐like stage by cirri‐multiplication.     

Kiitricha minuta n. sp., a peculiar hypotrichous ciliate (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea) from the Yellow Sea

The morphology and infraciliature of a new ciliate, Kiitricha minuta n. sp., isolated from the Yellow Sea, were investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation. Kiitricha minuta represents a third member of the rarely known order Kiitrichida. It is unique in the subclass Hypotrichia in having many rows of small uniform cirri along the right side of the body and the dorsal kineties composed of dikinetids, most of which bear two cilia. Kiitricha minuta n. sp. is ovoid and measures about 60 x 45 microm in vivo. It has a huge buccal cavity occupying about 80% of the body length, numerous body extrusomes, one macronucleus and two micronuclei, 27-27 adoral membranelles, 9-12 frontoventral cirral rows, a submarginal row of 7-9 cirri, 6 or 7 transverse cirri, and roughly 7-9 dorsal kineties. This new species differs distinctly from its only congener Kiitricha marina by its smaller size (60 microm vs. 80-150 microm), the presence of body extrusomes (vs. absent), the different macronuclear pattern (one vs. two nodules), and the lower number of frontoventral cirral rows (9-12 vs. 21-26), which terminate at the anterior two-thirds of body (vs. extend to the posterior). The new term "submarginal cirral row" is introduced to distinguish from the marginal cirral row in typical hypotrichs sensu lato. Based on our new observations and the literature, an improved diagnosis for the genus Kiitricha is provided and its phylogenetic importance is discussed.     

Cryphodera utahensis n. sp., (Heteroderidae), A New Species from Wild Rose in Utah

A new species of Cryphodera Colbran, 1966, parasitic on wild rose (Rosa sp. L.), is described from Utah, USA. Cryphodera utahensis n. sp. most closely resembles C. podocarpi (Wouts, 1973) Luc et al., 1978, but is distinct with respect to a number of characters including juveniles with a longer esophagus (206 versus 142 μm), shorter tail (47 versus 69 μn), and four rather than three incisures in the lateral field. Females of C. utahensis have a terminal protuberance which is more pronounced than in other species. Scanning electron microscope observations of the lip region of males indicate a labial disc surrounded by six lip sectors. However, the remainder of the lip region is comprised of irregularly-shaped plates; similar patterns with longitudinal striae apparently characterize males throughout the genus. The lip pattern of juveniles of C. utahensis n. sp. includes an oval labial disc surrounded by six lip sectors; transverse striae extend the height of the lip region without longitudinal striae. The type locality of C. utahensis confirms a broader distribution of the genus than was indicated for other species, which are limited to Australia (Queensland) and New Zealand.     

Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Two New Marine Euplotids,Pseudodiophrys nigricans n. g., n. sp., and Paradiophrys zhangi n. sp. (Ciliophora: Euplotida)

ABSTRACT. The morphology, infraciliature, and molecular phylogeny of Pseudodiophrys nigricans n. g., n. sp., and Paradiophrys zhangi n. sp., isolated from a sandy beach near Qingdao, China, were investigated. Pseudodiophrys is characterized by the Diophrys‐like ciliature pattern, but having only a single, reduced undulating membrane. Pseudodiophrys nigricans, the type species by monotypy, is described from live and silver‐impregnated specimens. Paradiophrys zhangi is similar to the type species Paradiophrys irmgard but can be recognized by its border body and the number (7 vs. 8–10) and arrangement (in rows vs. sparsely distributed) of the frontoventral cirri. Small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence data support the validity of both species. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rRNA gene sequence data currently available for uronychiids and other related taxa indicate that P. nigricans is most closely related to Diophrys scutum and Diophrys apoligothrix, while P. zhangi clusters most closely with Apodiophrys ovalis within a clade that also includes two other Paradiophrys species.     

Molecular Phylogeny and Ontogeny of a New Ciliate Genus,Paracladotricha salina n. g., n. sp. (Ciliophora,Hypotrichia)

A hypotrichous ciliate, Paracladotricha salina n. g., n. sp., was discovered in hypersaline waters (salinity about 80‰) from Qingdao, China. Its morphology and some major ontogenetic stages were studied and the phylogenetic position was estimated using standard methods. Paracladotricha salina is characterized by a flexible, more or less slender body (size 50–120 × 20–35 μm), a gonostomatid oral apparatus, one short and two long frontoventral rows, four macronuclear nodules, almost completely reduced dorsal kineties 1–3, and a loss of several parts of the ciliature, namely, the slightly shortened ciliary row of the adoral membranelles, the paroral, and the buccal, the postoral and pretransverse ventral, the transverse, and the caudal cirri. The ontogenesis is rather simple: anlage II of both filial products and anlage III of the opisthe originate de novo, while anlagen IV and V are formed within the parental rows. This combination of features requires the establishment of a new genus, Paracladotricha, which is, according to the morphological data, closely related to Schmidingerothrix and Cladotricha. The small‐subunit rRNA gene was sequenced, indicating that P. salina is, as also demonstrated by the oral apparatus, a member of the gonostomatids. We provide a first, vague hypothesis about the phylogenetic relationships of the Gonostomatidae, Cladotrichidae, and Schmidingerotrichidae. However, since molecular data of the type species of these higher taxa are lacking, their validity and relationships remain obscure.     

Chromonema heliothidis n. gen., n. sp. (Steinernematidae,Nematoda), a Parasite of Heliothis zea (Noctuidae,Lepidoptera), and Other Insects

Chromonema heliothidis n. gen., n. sp. is described as an entomophilic nematode of Heliothis zea and other lepidopterous larvae; the diagnosis of the family Steinernermatidae is emended. In most morphological and host-parasite features, this nematode is similar to neoaplectanid nematodes; however, males are different in having a peloderan bursa and straight to slightly curved spicules. Although the infective-stage juveniles only give rise to hermaphrodites, the nematode is heterogonic, with both males and females being produced in the second generation. Parasitized hosts are brick-red in color and luminescent in the dark because of the association of a chromogenic, bioluminescent bacterium with the nematode. The nematode is capable of parasitizing a wide range of insects with lepidopterous larvae being most susceptible.     

Myosporidium merluccius n. g., n. sp. infecting muscle of commercial hake (Merluccius sp.) from fisheries near Namibia

A new species of Microsporidia classified to a new genus was observed in the trunk muscle of commercial hake (Merluccius capensis/paradoxus complex) from Namibian fisheries. Macroscopic examination revealed thin and dark filaments inserted among muscle fibers. Inside the filaments were many sporophorous vesicles with about 30-50 spores per vesicle. The shape of the spore was pyriform and the extruded polar filament was of moderate length (up to 4.29 microm, n=12). This new species of Microsporidia is described using macrophotography, microphotography, staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as molecular methods. Its 16S rRNA was found to be similar to that of Microsporidium prosopium Kent et al., 1999, while both sequences were quite different from 16S rRNA sequences known for other Microsporidia. Nevertheless, this new species is separated morphologically from M. prosopium by the presence of 11-12 anisofilar coils and the formation of the xenoma at the site of infection. Type species.     

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of a New Protist Family, Sandmanniellidae n. fam. (Ciliophora, Colpodea), with Description of Sandmanniella terricola n. g., n. sp. from the Chobe Floodplain in Botswana

ABSTRACT. Sandmanniella terricola n. g., n. sp. was discovered in soil from the Chobe floodplain, Botswana, southern Africa. Its morphology and 18S rDNA gene sequence were studied with standard methods. Sandmanniella terricola is very likely an adversity strategist because it reaches peak abundances 6–12 h after rewetting the soil and maintains trophic food vacuoles with undigested bacteria in the resting cyst, a highly specific feature suggested as an indicator for an adversity life strategy. Possibly, the energy of the stored food vacuoles is used for reproduction and support of the cyst wall. Morphologically, Sandmanniella terricola is inconspicuous, having a size of only 50 × 40 μm and a simple, ellipsoidal shape. The main characteristics of the genus are a colpodid silverline pattern; a perioral cilia condensation; a flat, dish-shaped oral cavity, in the centre of which originates a long, conical oral basket resembling that of certain nassulid ciliates; and a vertically oriented left oral polykinetid composed of brick-shaped adoral organelles. This unique mixture of features and the gene sequence trees, where Sandmanniella shows an isolated position, suggest establishing a new family, the Sandmanniellidae n. fam., possibly related to the families Colpodidae or Bryophryidae. The curious oral basket provides some support for the hypothesis of a common ancestor of colpodid and nassulid ciliates.