| Abstract: | The article describes the occurrence of parasitic ciliates belonging to the Order Astomatida infecting the gut of earthworms (Lumbricidae). The survey was confined to the County of Hertfordshire. Three genera are common: Anoplophrya, Maupasella and Metaradiophrya; they appear unrelated but share the negative feature of being mouthless. Simple methods of extraction, dissection, histological preparation andpH determination are outlined. The descriptions of astome morphology are given, and an attempt is made to correlate features to establish their value as taxonomic criteria. It is emphasised that their systematic position remains doubtful and little is known of their life histories. This paper introduces this group of organisms into the secondary school curriculum and suggests additional material for A-level (16–18 year olds). |
