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Piñeiro, M., González, E. Sanabria C. (2023): Protozoa And Nematodes Infecting Odontophrynus Occidentalis (Anura, Odontophrynidae) From The Monte Desert Of Argentina. Zoodiversity 57 (2): 171-180, DOI: 10.15407/zoo2023.02.171, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.15407/zoo2023.02.171

Phylogenetically distinct lineages may be hidden behind identical or highly similar morphologies. The phenomenon of morphological crypticity has been recently detected in symbiotic ciliates of the family Clevelandellidae, as multivariate and Fourier shape analyses failed to distinguish genetically distinct taxa. To address the question of species boundaries, the phylogenetic information contained in the rDNA cistron of clevelandellid ciliates, which had been isolated from the digestive tract of blaberid cockroaches, was studied using a multifaceted statistical approach. Multigene phylogenies revealed that the genus Clevelandella is paraphyletic containing members of the genus Paraclevelandia. To resolve the paraphyly of Clevelandella, two new genera, Anteclevelandella gen. nov. and Rhynchoclevelandella gen. nov., are proposed based on morphological synapomorphies and shared molecular characters. Multigene analyses and Bayesian species delimitation supported the existence of 13 distinct species within the family Clevelandellidae, eight of which represent new taxa. Moreover, two new Nyctotherus species were recognized within the clade that is sister to the Clevelandellidae. According to the present distance and network analyses, the first two domains of the 28S rRNA gene showed much higher power for species discrimination than the 18S rRNA gene and ITS region. Therefore, the former molecular marker was proposed to be a suitable group-specific barcode for the family Clevelandellidae.

GENUS RHYNCHOCLEVELANDELLA GEN. NOV. Z o o B a n k r e g i s t r a t i o n: u r n: l s i d: z o o b a n k. org:act: 1C962981-03D7-4647-A05B-E33311CA0978. Diagnosis: Body posteriorly extended into a long peristomial projection; macronucleus oriented with its longer axis obliquely to main body axis; karyophore absent; adoral zone of membranelles on right and paroral membrane on left side of vestibulum. Diagnostic molecular characters as shown in Figure 8. Type species: Clevelandia hastula Kidder, 1937 by original designation (Article 68.2 of ICZN, 1999). Etymology: Composed of the Greek noun rhúnkhos (ῥύ γχος [n]; beak, snout) and the generic name Clevelandella, alluding to the conspicuously long peristomial projection. Feminine gender., Published as part of Pecina, Lukáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2022, DNA barcoding and coalescent-based delimitation of endosymbiotic clevelandellid ciliates (Ciliophora: Clevelandellida): a shift to molecular taxonomy in the inventory of ciliate diversity in panesthiine cockroaches, pp. 1072-1102 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 194 (4) on page 1093, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab063, http://zenodo.org/record/6459086, {"references":["Kidder GW. 1937. The intestinal protozoa of the wood-feeding roach Panesthia. Parasitology 29: 163 - 205.","ICZN. 1999. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, 4 th edn. London: International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature."]}

GENUS ANTECLEVELANDELLA GEN. NOV. Z o o B a n k r e g i s t r a t i o n: u r n: l s i d: z o o b a n k. org:act: 98D41E85-B1AF-4253-8DBF-2740BE597F63. Diagnosis: Body posteriorly extended into a short peristomial projection and slightly constricted at level of macronucleus; macronucleus oriented with its longer axis perpendicularly to main body axis; karyophore present, attached to right and left body margins; adoral zone of membranelles on left and paroral membrane on right side of vestibulum. Diagnostic molecular characters as shown in Figure 8. Type species: Clevelandia constricta Kidder, 1937 by original designation (Article 68.2 of ICZN, 1999). Etymology: Composed of the Latin adverb anteā (before, earlier) and the generic name Clevelandella, reflecting the deep branching of this genus within the family Clevelandellidae. Feminine gender., Published as part of Pecina, Lukáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2022, DNA barcoding and coalescent-based delimitation of endosymbiotic clevelandellid ciliates (Ciliophora: Clevelandellida): a shift to molecular taxonomy in the inventory of ciliate diversity in panesthiine cockroaches, pp. 1072-1102 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 194 (4) on page 1086, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab063, http://zenodo.org/record/6459086, {"references":["Kidder GW. 1937. The intestinal protozoa of the wood-feeding roach Panesthia. Parasitology 29: 163 - 205.","ICZN. 1999. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, 4 th edn. London: International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature."]}

GENUS CLEVELANDELLA KIDDER, 1938 Improved diagnosis: Body posteriorly extended into a medium-long peristomial projection; macronucleus oriented with its longer axis obliquely to main body axis, posterior end of macronucleus typically more or less narrowed; karyophore present, attached to right side below mid-body, in some species also to left body margin; adoral zone of membranelles on right and paroral membrane on left side of vestibulum. Diagnostic molecular characters as shown in Figure 8. aReference alignments are available in Supporting Information,Alignments S1 ‒ S3. For further details on the localization of molecular diagnostic characters, see Supporting Information, Supplementary Tables S1‒S 3. 18S, 18 S rRNA gene; ITS, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region; 28 S, 28 S rRNA gene. bDNA samples of holotype specimens have been deposited in Natural History Museum, Vajanského nábrežie 2, 810 06 Bratislava, Slovakia. cFor GenBank accession numbers of 18 S rRNA gene and ITS region-28 S rRNA gene sequences obtained from holotype specimens, see Table 1. Type species and nomenclature: Clevelandia panesthiae Kidder, 1937 by original designation (Article 68.2 of ICZN, 1999). Kidder (1937) fixed C. panesthiae as type species of Clevelandia Kidder, 1937 (ciliate), which is a junior homonym of Clevelandia Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888 (fish). Therefore, Kidder (1938) proposed a new replacement name (nomen novum), Clevelandella, for Clevelandia (ciliate). According to Article 67.7 of ICZN (1999), both the prior nominal genus-group taxon and its replacement have the same type species. Aescht (2001) incorrectly stated that C. panesthiae is a type species of Clevelandella by subsequent designation in Earl (1972). Etymology: The genus was named in honour of the protistologist L. R. Cleveland., Published as part of Pecina, Lukáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2022, DNA barcoding and coalescent-based delimitation of endosymbiotic clevelandellid ciliates (Ciliophora: Clevelandellida): a shift to molecular taxonomy in the inventory of ciliate diversity in panesthiine cockroaches, pp. 1072-1102 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 194 (4) on pages 1086-1093, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab063, http://zenodo.org/record/6459086, {"references":["Kidder GW. 1938. Nuclear reorganization without cell division in Paraclevelandia simplex (family Clevelandellidae), an endocommensal ciliate of the wood-feeding roach, Panesthia. Archiv fur Protistenkunde 91: 69 - 77.","Kidder GW. 1937. The intestinal protozoa of the wood-feeding roach Panesthia. Parasitology 29: 163 - 205.","ICZN. 1999. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, 4 th edn. London: International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature.","Aescht E. 2001. Catalogue of the generic names of ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora). Denisia 1: 1 - 350.","Earl PR. 1972. Synopsis of the Plagiotomoidea, new superfamily (Protozoa). Acta Protozoologica 9: 247 - 261."]}

GENUS NYCTOTHERUS LEIDY, 1849 Improved diagnosis: Body ovate; macronucleus usually oriented with its longer axis perpendicularly to main body axis; karyophore present, typically attached to right and left body sides; somatic ciliature holotrichous, ventral rows gradually shortened along oral groove, dorsal rows form a median suture in anterior and posterior body region; oral groove begins subapically and extends along left body margin to about mid-body; peristomial funnel (vestibulum) inverted J-shaped; adoral zone of membranelles runs in oral groove then plunges into vestibulum to extend on its right side. Type species: Nyctotherus velox Leidy, 1849 by monotypy (Article 68.3 of ICZN, 1999). Etymology: Not provided in the original description. Composed of the Greek prefix nukt - (νυΚΤ-; dark) and the Greek noun thēríon (θηρ ῐ[n]; animal), likely alluding to the habitat (i.e. hindgut) of type species. Masculine gender (Article 30.1.3 of ICZN, 1999)., Published as part of Pecina, Lukáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2022, DNA barcoding and coalescent-based delimitation of endosymbiotic clevelandellid ciliates (Ciliophora: Clevelandellida): a shift to molecular taxonomy in the inventory of ciliate diversity in panesthiine cockroaches, pp. 1072-1102 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 194 (4) on page 1093, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab063, http://zenodo.org/record/6459086, {"references":["ICZN. 1999. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, 4 th edn. London: International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature."]}

A compilation of the ciliate epibiont species (Ciliophora) found on marine and fresh water cnidarians has been carried out based on published records. The checklist includes the taxonomic position of each species of epibiontic ciliate, the species of basibiont cnidarians, the geographic zones and the bibliographic references where they were recorded. Cnidarians, especially colonial sessile forms, represent suitable substrates for numerous sessile and vagile ciliates. Altogether 79 ciliate species belong to five classes viz. Spirotrichea, Heterotrichea, Phyllopharingea, Suctorea and Oligohymenophorea were listed. The most diverce as epibions on cnidarians are representatives of Suctorea with 41 species and Peritrichia (under the class Oligohymenophorea) with 25 species. Three species belong to class Spirotrichea, four Heterotrichea and one Phyllopharingea. Among the other representatives (except Peritrichia) of class Oligohymenophorea, four species belong to subclass Scutucociliatia, one species each in subclass Hymenostomatia and Apostomatia. One suctorian species Ophryodendron abietinum and two species of peritrichs, Cothurnia cordylophora and Rhabdostyla sertularium one Heterotrichea Halofolliculina corallasia and one Scutucociliatia Philaster guamensis are likely specific to cnidarian hosts only.

Stentofolliculina tubicola Hadži, 1938 Report as epibiont on bryozoans: This species was described as epibiont on marine bryozoan Retepora sp. collected in the Adriatic Sea (Hadži 1938). Remarks: This species was recorded as epibiont only on bryozoans. It is Jankowski (2007) opinion that this species name is possible nomen dubium., Published as part of Chatterjee, Tapas & Dovgal, Igor, 2020, A checklist of ciliate epibionts (Ciliophora) found on bryozoans, pp. 547-559 in Zootaxa 4896 (4) on page 556, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4896.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/4387921, {"references":["Hadzi, J. (1938) Beitrag zur Kenntnis dera dri atischen Follikuliniden (Inf. Heterotricha). I. Subfam. Eufolliculininae. Acta Adriatica, 2, 1 - 46.","Jankowski, A. V. (2007) Review of taxa Phylum Ciliophora Doflein, 1901. In: Alimov, A. F. (Ed.), Protista: Handbook on Zoology. Part 2. Nauka, St. Petersburg, pp. 415 - 993. [in Russian]"]}

Epifolliculina diaphana Hadži, 1951 Report as epibiont on bryozoans: The Epifolliculina diaphana Hadži, 1951 was originally described as epibiont of bryozoan Retepora sp. from the Mediterranean Sea (Hadži 1951). Remarks: This species was recorded as epibiont only on bryozoans., Published as part of Chatterjee, Tapas & Dovgal, Igor, 2020, A checklist of ciliate epibionts (Ciliophora) found on bryozoans, pp. 547-559 in Zootaxa 4896 (4) on page 556, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4896.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/4387921, {"references":["Hadzi, J. (1951) Studien uber Follikuliniden. Dela Razredza Prirodoslovnein Medicinske Vede. Slovenska Akademija Znanostiin Umetnosti, 4, 1 - 390."]}

Folliculina simplex (Dons, 1917) Report as epibiont on bryozoans: This species was reported as epibiont on marine bryozoans Einhornia crustulenta (reported as Membraneipora crustulenta) in Kiel Bay, the North Sea (Precht 1935) Report as epibiont on other hosts/substrata: The species was also found on artificial substrates in the form of microscope slides from shrimp-farming ponds and from a rock pool near Qingdao, China (Song et al., 2003)., Published as part of Chatterjee, Tapas & Dovgal, Igor, 2020, A checklist of ciliate epibionts (Ciliophora) found on bryozoans, pp. 547-559 in Zootaxa 4896 (4) on page 556, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4896.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/4387921, {"references":["Precht, H. (1935) Epizoen der Kieler Bucht. Nova Acta Leopoldina, 3, 405 - 474.","Song, W., Warren, A., Ji, D., Wang, M. & Al-Rasheid, K. A. S. (2003) New contributions to two heterotrichous ciliates, Folliculina simplex (Dons, 1917), Condylostoma curva Burkovsky, 1970 and one licnophorid, Licnophora lyngbycola Faure- Fremiet, 1937 (Protozoa, Ciliophora): Descriptions of morphology and infraciliature. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 50 (6), 449 - 462. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1550 - 7408.2003. tb 00271. x"]}

Folliculina ampulla O. F. Müller, 1773 Report as epibiont on bryozoans: Reported on bryozoans and hydroids from Strait of Georgia, Canada (Wailes 1943; Mccazuley & Hancock 1971). Report as epibiont on other hosts: Ubiquitous species; reported in brackish water pond: Port Canning, West Bengal, India on hydroids (Bhatia et al. 1936). The species was also reported in the Black Sea (Gassowsky 1960) and in the Baltic Sea (Mironova et al. 2014)., Published as part of Chatterjee, Tapas & Dovgal, Igor, 2020, A checklist of ciliate epibionts (Ciliophora) found on bryozoans, pp. 547-559 in Zootaxa 4896 (4) on page 556, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4896.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/4387921, {"references":["Wailes, G. H. (1943) Canadian Pacific fauna. 1. Protozoa. 1 f. Ciliata. 1 g. Suctoria. University of Toronto Press, Toronro, 46 pp.","Bhatia, B. L. (1936) The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Protozoa: Ciliophora. Taylor and Fransis, London, 493 pp.","Mironova, E. I., Telesh, I. V. & Skarlato, S. O. (2014) Ciliates in plankton of the Baltic Sea. Protistology, 8 (3), 81 - 124"]}

Aulofolliculina labyrinthica Hadži, 1951 Report as epibiont on bryozoans: This species was found in the Mediterranean Sea (Hadži 1951) were originally described from marine bryozoan Reteporella beaniana (King, 1846). Remarks: This species was recorded as epibiont only on bryozoans., Published as part of Chatterjee, Tapas & Dovgal, Igor, 2020, A checklist of ciliate epibionts (Ciliophora) found on bryozoans, pp. 547-559 in Zootaxa 4896 (4) on page 556, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4896.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/4387921, {"references":["Hadzi, J. (1951) Studien uber Follikuliniden. Dela Razredza Prirodoslovnein Medicinske Vede. Slovenska Akademija Znanostiin Umetnosti, 4, 1 - 390."]}

Aulofolliculina gjorgjevici (Hadži, 1938) Report as epibiont on bryozoans: This species was reported as epibiont on marine bryozoan Reteporella beaniana (King, 1846) in the Adriatic Sea (Hadži 1938). Remarks: This species was recorded as epibiont only on bryozoans., Published as part of Chatterjee, Tapas & Dovgal, Igor, 2020, A checklist of ciliate epibionts (Ciliophora) found on bryozoans, pp. 547-559 in Zootaxa 4896 (4) on page 556, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4896.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/4387921, {"references":["Hadzi, J. (1938) Beitrag zur Kenntnis dera dri atischen Follikuliniden (Inf. Heterotricha). I. Subfam. Eufolliculininae. Acta Adriatica, 2, 1 - 46."]}

A compilation of the ciliate (Ciliophora) species found on marine and fresh water bryozoans as epibionts has been carried out based on published records. The checklist includes the taxonomic position of each species of epibiontic ciliate, the species of basibiont bryozoans, localities and the bibliographic references. Altogether 40 ciliate species from classes Spirotrichea (two species); Suctorea (sixteen species); Oligohymenophorea, subclass Peritrichia (sixteen species) and Heterotrichea, family Folliculinidae (six species) were listed. Among registered species, six were reported on bryozoans only. Only one species of peritrich ciliate Ellobiophrya conviva adapted to inhabit on tentacles of bryozoans with special adhesive organelle (cinctum or adhesive ring) indicate a possible specific to bryozoan host.

Blepharisma hyalinum Perty, 1849 Distribution. VENEZUELA: South margin of the Henri Pittier National Park, Biological Station Rancho Grande (Foissner 2016)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 8, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Foissner, W. (2016) Terrestrial and semiterrestrial ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from Venezuela and Galapagos. Denisia, 35, 1 - 912."]}

Blepharisma steini Kahl, 1932 Distribution. MEXICO: Coffee plantation La Onza, near Coatepec (Dur��n-Ram��rez et al. 2015), (Th); Coffee plantation Virginia Armand, near Coatepec (Dur��n-Ram��rez et al. 2015), (Th)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 8, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Duran-Ramirez, C. A., Garcia-Franco, J. G., Foissner, W. & Mayen-Estrada, R. (2015) Free living ciliates from epiphytic tank bromeliads in Mexico. European Journal of Protistology, 51, 15 - 33. https: // doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ejop. 2014.09.002"]}

Species from almost all classes of ciliates are prone to be found inhabiting bromeliads in the Neotropics, from Mexico to Brazil, and the Antilles. Studies of ciliates recorded from bromeliads have been carried out from few bromeliad species, mainly in tropical forest. We compiled all available data of free living and sessile ciliates from bromeliads, including their geographic distribution and bromeliad identity. We provide a list of 170 ciliate species that have been recorded in 52 epiphytic and terrestrial bromeliad species, distributed in ten Neotropical countries . Most of the species belong to the Classes Oligohymenophorea, Colpodea and Spirotrichea. The largest number of ciliate species has been recorded in Brazil and Mexico. Bromeliothrix metopoides and Glaucomides bromelicola were the two species with the widest geographical distribution, 19 species have been recorded only in Mexico, 11 in the Antillean islands, and 89 only in Southamerica. Free living species prevailed over sessile species, and both represent 2% of the total ciliate species number. Sixteen ciliate species have been recorded only inhabiting in bromeliads. Although bromeliads show a high endemicity, their specificity is low in relation to ciliates.

Brachonella spiralis McMurrich, 1884 Distribution. BRAZIL: Paran�� River between the Nupelia���s Field Station and the district of Porto S��o Jos��, S��o Pedro do Paran�� (Buosi et al. 2014 b, 2015), (Ad)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 13, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Buosi, P. R. B., Utz, L. R. P., de Meira, B. R., Segovia da Silva, B. T., Lansac-Toha, F. M., Lansac-Toha, F. A. L. & Velho, L. F. M. (2014 b) Rainfall influence on species composition of the ciliate community inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata. Zoological Studies, 53, 1 - 12. https: // doi. org / 10.1186 / s 40555 - 014 - 0032 - 4","Buosi, P. R. B., Cabral, A. F., Utz, L. R. P., Vieira, L. C. G. & Velho, L. F. M. (2015) Effects of seasonality and dispersal on the ciliate community inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata in riparian vegetation of a large tropical river. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 62 (6), 737 - 749. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / jeu. 12232"]}

Metopus setosus Kahl, 1927 Distribution. VENEZUELA: South margin of the Henri Pittier National Park, Biological Station Rancho Grande (Foissner 2016)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 14, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Foissner, W. (2016) Terrestrial and semiterrestrial ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from Venezuela and Galapagos. Denisia, 35, 1 - 912."]}

Metopus palaeformis Kahl, 1927 Distribution. VENEZUELA: South margin of the Henri Pittier National Park, Biological Station Rancho Grande (Foissner 2016)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 14, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Foissner, W. (2016) Terrestrial and semiterrestrial ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from Venezuela and Galapagos. Denisia, 35, 1 - 912."]}

Metopus minor Kahl, 1927 Distribution. ECUADOR: (Foissner et al. 2003), Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 14, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Foissner, W., Struder-Kypke, M., van der Staay, G., Moon-van der Staay, S. & Hackstein, J. (2003) Endemic ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from tank bromeliads (Bromeliaceae): a combined morphological, molecular, and ecological study. European Journal of Protistology, 39, 365 - 372. https: // doi. org / 10.1078 / 0932 - 4739 - 00005"]}

Spirostomum minus Roux, 1901 Distribution. BRAZIL: Paran�� River between the Nupelia���s Field Station and the district of Porto S��o Jos��, S��o Pedro do Paran�� (Buosi et al. 2014 b, 2015), (Ad)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 8, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Buosi, P. R. B., Utz, L. R. P., de Meira, B. R., Segovia da Silva, B. T., Lansac-Toha, F. M., Lansac-Toha, F. A. L. & Velho, L. F. M. (2014 b) Rainfall influence on species composition of the ciliate community inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata. Zoological Studies, 53, 1 - 12. https: // doi. org / 10.1186 / s 40555 - 014 - 0032 - 4","Buosi, P. R. B., Cabral, A. F., Utz, L. R. P., Vieira, L. C. G. & Velho, L. F. M. (2015) Effects of seasonality and dispersal on the ciliate community inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata in riparian vegetation of a large tropical river. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 62 (6), 737 - 749. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / jeu. 12232"]}

Metopus striatus McMurrich, 1884 Distribution. BRAZIL: Paran�� River between the Nupelia���s Field Station and the district of Porto S��o Jos��, S��o Pedro do Paran�� (Buosi et al. 2014 b, 2015), (Ad)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 14, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Buosi, P. R. B., Utz, L. R. P., de Meira, B. R., Segovia da Silva, B. T., Lansac-Toha, F. M., Lansac-Toha, F. A. L. & Velho, L. F. M. (2014 b) Rainfall influence on species composition of the ciliate community inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata. Zoological Studies, 53, 1 - 12. https: // doi. org / 10.1186 / s 40555 - 014 - 0032 - 4","Buosi, P. R. B., Cabral, A. F., Utz, L. R. P., Vieira, L. C. G. & Velho, L. F. M. (2015) Effects of seasonality and dispersal on the ciliate community inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata in riparian vegetation of a large tropical river. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 62 (6), 737 - 749. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / jeu. 12232"]}

Spirostomum ambiguum 2 (M��ller, 1786) Ehrenberg, 1835 Distribution. JAMAICA: (Dunthorn et al. 2012)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 8, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Dunthorn, M., Stoeck, T., Wolf, K., Breiner, H. W. & Foissner, W. (2012) Diversity and endemism of ciliates inhabiting Neotropical phytotelmata. Systematics and Biodiversity, 10 (2), 195 - 205. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 14772000.2012.685195"]}

Caenomorpha medusala Perty, 1852 Distribution. BRAZIL: Paran�� River between the Nupelia���s Field Station and the district of Porto S��o Jos��, S��o Pedro do Paran�� (Buosi et al. 2014 b, 2015), (Ad)., Published as part of Dur��n-Ram��rez, Carlos Alberto, Dias, Roberto J��nio Pedroso & Estrada, Rosaura May��n-, 2020, Checklist of ciliates (Alveolata: Ciliophora) that inhabit in bromeliads from the Neotropical Region, pp. 1-36 in Zootaxa 4895 (1) on page 13, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4321437, {"references":["Buosi, P. R. B., Utz, L. R. P., de Meira, B. R., Segovia da Silva, B. T., Lansac-Toha, F. M., Lansac-Toha, F. A. L. & Velho, L. F. M. (2014 b) Rainfall influence on species composition of the ciliate community inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata. Zoological Studies, 53, 1 - 12. https: // doi. org / 10.1186 / s 40555 - 014 - 0032 - 4","Buosi, P. R. B., Cabral, A. F., Utz, L. R. P., Vieira, L. C. G. & Velho, L. F. M. (2015) Effects of seasonality and dispersal on the ciliate community inhabiting bromeliad phytotelmata in riparian vegetation of a large tropical river. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 62 (6), 737 - 749. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / jeu. 12232"]}

Clevelandella constricta (Kidder, 1937) Figs 1–3 Description of Vietnamese population Size in vivo about 100–155 × 25–50 μm, usually 120 × 35 μm, as calculated from some in vivo measurements and morphometric data; length:width ratio ranging from 3:1 to 4.2:1 after protargol impregnation (Table 1). Body spindle-shaped, more or less distinctly constricted in anterior third, usually widest at mid-portion, i.e., about at level of proximal end of adoral zone of membranelles; dorsoventrally flattened 1.4:1. Anterior end bluntly pointed; posterior body portion differentiated into a short, inconspicuous peristomial projection, distinctly constricted at its base; left and right body margins slightly concave at level of macronucleus (Figs 1 A–N, 3A, E–G). Macronucleus located in anterior second fifth of body length; ellipsoidal to almost spherical, with a length:width ratio of 1.1– 1.8: 1 in protargol preparations; 20–28 × 15–20 μm in size after protargol impregnation; filled with numerous globular structures (very likely nucleoli) 0.7–1.8 μm across after protargol impregnation, well recognizable in vivo and sometimes in lightly impregnated specimens. Karyophore attached to right and left cell’s margins in middle third of body, usually at level of macronucleus, rarely in midbody. Micronucleus attached to anterior side of macronucleus, i.e., near the place where longitudinal cell axis crosses macronucleus or on its left side; globular and about 4.1–4.3 × 4.5–4.7 μm in size in vivo (Table 1; Figs 1 A–L, 3E). Contractile vacuole near left body margin in posterior third of cell, i.e., close to canal leading to cytopyge (Fig. 1A, L). Cortex flexible, no cortical granules recognizable. Cytoplasm colorless; finely granulated; divided by karyophore into an anterior and a posterior part; cytoplasm anterior to macronucleus contains a frontal lamina transversely stretching slightly posterior to anterior body end and densely packed, oval, refractile bodies (probably paraglycogen platelets) observable in vivo and after protargol impregnation; compartment posterior to macronucleus contains some (symbiotic?) bacteria and/or archaea freely scattered throughout the main body portion and food a Data based on mounted, protargol-impregnated, and randomly selected specimens. Measurements in µm. vacuoles about 2.0–5.2 μm across and encompassing prey prokaryotes (Figs 1A, L, O–P, 3E). Swims slowly; dies quickly on microscope slides, possibly due to presence of oxygen. Somatic ciliature holotrichous; cilia about 4.5–6.5 μm long in vivo and narrowly arranged.Approximately 80 ciliary rows narrowly spaced over entire body surface and about 10 ciliary rows encroaching onto peristomial projection. Almost all ciliary rows commence from a whorl (posterior suture) on left side near contractile vacuole to radiate over ventral and dorsal sides toward right body margin; some kineties shortened anteriorly or posteriorly (Figs 1 M–N, 3F–G). Right suture extends from base of peristomial projection to anterior body end; formed by obliquely abutting ventral and dorsal ciliary rows (Figs 1N, arrow, 3G, white double arrowhead). Peristomial projection occupies on average 16% of body length and measures 12–23 × 15–20 μm in protargol preparations. Peristomial opening situated on ventral side of peristomial projection, triangular and short, i.e., about 11% of body length and 10–15 × 13–18 μm in size after protargol impregnation (Figs 1 A–M, 3A, E). Peristomial funnel approximately 50 μm long after protargol impregnation. Adoral zone extends obliquely from distal end of peristomial projection along left side of peristomial funnel to terminate about in mid-portion of cell; occupies 41% to 55% of body length; composed of on average 55 membranelles; cilia of distalmost membranelles about 9 μm long in vivo and projecting out of peristomial opening (Table 1; Figs 1A, L, 3E). Paroral membrane diplostichomonad, i.e., composed of two rows of basal bodies; extends in parallel with adoral zone but on opposite side of peristomial funnel; commences at level of proximal end of peristomial opening and terminates near cytostome at proximal end of peristomial funnel (Fig. 1L). Pharyngeal fibres spread from proximal end of adoral zone and paroral membrane, run transversely leftwards forming a conical funnel about 20 μm long in vivo. Notes on Thai I population The Thai population matches very well the Vietnamese population. However, the Thai population shows a slightly wider range in the body length (95–175 μm vs 100–155 μm) and is slightly more slender than the Vietnamese population (length:width ratio 3.4–5.0:1 vs 3.0– 4.2:1). The variability of body size and shape of the Thai population is summarized in Table 1 and shown in Figs 2 A–J, 3B–C., Published as part of Pecina, Lukáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2020, Morphological versus molecular delimitation of ciliate species: a case study of the family Clevelandellidae (Protista, Ciliophora, Armophorea), pp. 1-46 in European Journal of Taxonomy 697 on pages 7-12, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.697, http://zenodo.org/record/3978463, {"references":["Kidder G. W. 1937. The intestinal protozoa of the wood-feeding roach Panesthia. Parasitologica 29: 163 - 205."]}

Clevelandella lynni Pecina & Vďačný, 2020 Description of Thai I population A detailed morphological description, including morphometric characterization, is provided in Pecina & Vďačný (2020). The original description is to be published in Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology. To avoid nomenclatural problems, the name Clevelandella lynni is disclaimed here for nomenclatural purposes (Article 8.3 of the ICZN 1999)., Published as part of Pecina, Lukáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2020, Morphological versus molecular delimitation of ciliate species: a case study of the family Clevelandellidae (Protista, Ciliophora, Armophorea), pp. 1-46 in European Journal of Taxonomy 697 on page 16, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.697, http://zenodo.org/record/3978463, {"references":["Pecina L. & Vdacny P. 2020. 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). Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology 67: 436 - 449. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / jeu. 12793"]}

Clevelandella parapanesthiae (Kidder, 1937) Figs 9–11 Description of Thai I population Size in vivo about 70–110 × 40–65 μm, usually 90 × 50 μm, as calculated from some in vivo measurements and morphometric data; length:width ratio very stable, i.e., ranging from 1.7:1 to 1.9: 1 in protargol preparations (Table 4). Body broadly spade-shaped, widest slightly above posterior third of body, i.e., just above level of contractile vacuole.Anterior end bluntly pointed; posterior body portion differentiated into a conspicuous, moderately long peristomial projection; left margin distinctly notched at base of peristomial projection and recurved posteriorly toward peristomial projection, forming a distinct lobe; dorsoventrally flattened 1.3:1 (Figs 9 A–N, 11C–D). Macronucleus located in second and third fourth of body, close to right body margin; tear-shaped with a length:width ratio of 2.1–3.4: 1 in protargol preparations; anterior end broadly rounded and near cell’s midline, posterior end acute and in parallel with right body margin; 27–47 × 12–17 μm in size after protargol impregnation; filled with numerous globular structures (presumably nucleoli) 0.6–1.6 μm in diameter after protargol impregnation, well observable in vivo and after protargol impregnation. Karyophore attached to right body margin near base of peristomial projection (Table 4; Figs 9 A–L, 11C–D). Micronucleus not observed. Contractile vacuole in lobe of left body side, i.e., at level of base of peristomial projection (Figs 9A, L, 11C). Cortex flexible, no cortical granules recognizable. Cytoplasm colorless; finely granulated; numerous refractile bodies scattered throughout cytoplasm; some (symbiotic?) bacteria and/or archaea freely scattered throughout main body portion; few food vacuoles, about 2.5–5.2 μm across and containing prey prokaryotes (Fig. 9A). Swims slowly; dies quickly on microscope slides, possibly due to presence of oxygen; body shape changes in dying and strongly squeezed cells, i.e., lobe of left side becomes less noticeable. a Data based on mounted, protargol-impregnated, and randomly selected specimens. Measurements in µm. Somatic ciliature holotrichous; cilia about 4.5–6.0 μm long in vivo and very narrowly arranged. About 90 ciliary rows narrowly spaced over entire body surface and about 25 ciliary rows running onto peristomial projection. Peristomial ciliary rows in a form of strongly oblique lines in ventral view, while in a form of shallow arcs in dorsal view (Fig. 9 M–N). Almost all body ciliary rows begin from a whorl (posterior suture) on left body side slightly above base of peristomial projection, i.e., near location of contractile vacuole (Fig. 9 M–N, arrowheads) to radiate over ventral and dorsal sides toward right body margin; some kineties shortened anteriorly or posteriorly. Right suture extends from base of peristomial projection to anterior body end; formed by obliquely abutting ventral and dorsal ciliary rows (Fig. 9M, arrow). Peristomial projection conspicuous because it occupies on average 24% of body length and measures 15–23 × 10–12 μm in protargol preparations. Peristomial opening situated on left side of peristomial projection, roughly triangular and slender, i.e., about 21% of body length and 13–20 × 7–9 μm in size after protargol impregnation (Figs 9 A–M, 11C–D). Peristomial funnel about 37 μm long in protargol preparations. Adoral zone extends slightly obliquely from distal end of peristomial projection across right side of peristomial funnel to terminate about in half of body length; occupies 41% to 57% of body length; composed of on average 38 membranelles; cilia of distalmost membranelles about 8 μm long in vivo and projecting out of peristomial funnel (Table 4; Figs 9A, L, 11 C–D). Paroral membrane diplostichomonad, i.e., composed of two rows of basal bodies; extends in parallel with adoral zone but on opposite side of peristomial funnel; commences about at level of proximal end of peristomial opening and terminates near cytostome at proximal end of peristomial funnel (Fig. 9L). Pharyngeal fibres originate from proximal end of adoral zone and paroral membrane, run transversely leftwards forming a conical funnel about 25–30 μm long in vivo. Notes on Vietnamese population The Vietnamese population exhibits similar morphological features as the Thai population. However, the Vietnamese population shows a slightly narrower range in the body length (70–90 μm vs 70–110 μm) and is slightly more slender (length:width ratio 1.8–2.1:1 vs 1.7–1.9:1) than the Thai population. The macronucleus is shorter in some Vietnamese specimens, but its variability completely falls within the range of the Thai population (length 26–35 μm vs 27–47 μm). The variability of body size and shape of the Vietnamese population is summarized in Table 4 and shown in Figs 10 A–J, 11A–B, E–G., Published as part of Pecina, Lukáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2020, Morphological versus molecular delimitation of ciliate species: a case study of the family Clevelandellidae (Protista, Ciliophora, Armophorea), pp. 1-46 in European Journal of Taxonomy 697 on pages 21-25, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.697, http://zenodo.org/record/3978463, {"references":["Kidder G. W. 1937. The intestinal protozoa of the wood-feeding roach Panesthia. Parasitologica 29: 163 - 205."]}

Clevelandella hastula (Kidder, 1937) Figs 4–5 Description of Vietnamese population Size in vivo about 75–105 × 25–35 μm, usually 90 × 30 μm, as calculated from some in vivo measurements and morphometric data; length:width ratio ranging from 2.6:1 to 3.5: 1 in protargol preparations (Table 2). Body spear-shaped, widest at mid-portion, i.e., about at level of contractile vacuole. Anterior end pointed; posterior body portion differentiated into a conspicuous, long peristomial projection; left side distinctly curved at level of proximal end of adoral zone of membranelles and hence forming a lobe above the base of peristomial projection (Figs 4 A–N, 5A–H). Macronucleus located in anterior second fourth of body; ellipsoidal, with a length:width ratio of 1.3–1.7: 1 in protargol preparations; 15–23 × 11–15 μm in size after protargol impregnation; filled with innumerable globular structures (presumably nucleoli) 0.7–1.8 μm in diameter after protargol impregnation, well observable in vivo and in some protargol preparations. Karyophore absent. Micronucleus invariably attached to anterior side of macronucleus; almost globular to broadly ellipsoidal with a length:width ratio of 1.0–1.7:1; about 4–6 × 3–4 μm in size after protargol impregnation (Table 2; Figs 4 A–L, 5B–F). Contractile vacuole just above base of peristomal projection near left body margin, i.e., at level of proximal end of peristomial funnel (Fig. 4A, L). Cortex flexible, no cortical granules recognizable. Cytoplasm colorless; finely granulated; refractile bodies concentrated in cytoplasm anteriorly to macronucleus, recognizable in vivo and after protargol impregnation; cytoplasm posterior to macronucleus contains some free (symbiotic?) bacteria and/or archaea and food vacuoles about 2.5–4.0 μm across with prey prokaryotes (Figs 4A, 5 B–F). Swims slowly; dies quickly on microscope slides, possibly due to presence of oxygen; body shape changes in dying and strongly squeezed cells, i.e., left margin loses a small notch at level of the base of peristomial projection (Fig. 5 F–H). a Data based on mounted, protargol-impregnated, and randomly selected specimens. Measurements in µm. Somatic ciliature holotrichous; cilia about 4.0–6.0 μm long in vivo and very narrowly arranged. Approximately 80 ciliary rows narrowly spaced over entire body surface and about 25 ciliary rows running onto peristomial projection. Peristomial ciliary rows in a form of strongly oblique lines in ventral view, while in a form of shallow arcs in dorsal view (Figs 4 M–N, 5G–H). Almost all body ciliary rows begin from a whorl (posterior suture) on left body side about at level of proximal end of peristomial funnel, i.e., near location of contractile vacuole (Figs 4 M–N, arrowheads, 5G–H, asterisks) to radiate over ventral and dorsal sides toward right body margin; some kineties shortened anteriorly or posteriorly. Right suture extends from base of peristomial projection to anterior body end; formed by obliquely abutting ventral and dorsal ciliary rows (Fig. 4M, arrow). Peristomial projection conspicuous because it occupies on average 38% of body length and measures 23–34 × 9–15 μm after protargol impregnation. Peristomial opening situated on left ventral side of peristomial projection, roughly triangular and relatively large, i.e., about 17% of body length and 11–15 × 9–12 μm in size after protargol impregnation (Figs 4 A–M, 5A–G). Peristomial funnel approximately 34 μm long in protargol preparations. Adoral zone extends slightly obliquely from distal end of peristomial projection across right side of peristomial funnel to terminate about at level of base of peristomial projection; occupies 36% to 50% of body length; composed of on average 32 membranelles; cilia of distalmost membranelles about 8 μm long in vivo and projecting out of peristomial funnel (Table 2; Figs 4A, L, 5 B–G). Paroral membrane diplostichomonad, i.e., composed of two rows of basal bodies; runs in parallel with adoral zone on opposite side of peristomial funnel; commences about at level of proximal end of peristomial opening and terminates near cytostome at proximal end of peristomial funnel (Figs 4L, 5E). Pharyngeal fibres originate from proximal end of adoral zone and paroral membrane, run transversely leftwards forming a conical funnel about 12 μm long in vivo., Published as part of Pecina, Lukáš & Vďačný, Peter, 2020, Morphological versus molecular delimitation of ciliate species: a case study of the family Clevelandellidae (Protista, Ciliophora, Armophorea), pp. 1-46 in European Journal of Taxonomy 697 on pages 12-13, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.697, http://zenodo.org/record/3978463, {"references":["Kidder G. W. 1937. The intestinal protozoa of the wood-feeding roach Panesthia. Parasitologica 29: 163 - 205."]}

The endozoic ciliates of the family Clevelandellidae Kidder, 1938 typically inhabit the hindgut of wood-feeding panesthiine cockroaches. To assess the consistency of species delimitation in clevelandellids, we tested the utility of three sources of taxonomic data: morphometric measurements, cell geometrical information, and 18S rRNA gene sequences. The morphometric and geometrical data delimited the clevelandellid morphospecies consistently and unambiguously. However, only Paraclevelandia brevis Kidder, 1937 represented a homogenous taxon in both morphological and molecular analyses; the morphospecies Clevelandella constricta (Kidder, 1937) and C. hastula (Kidder, 1937) contained two or three distinct, more or less closely related genotypes each; and the genetic homogeneity of the morphospecies C. panesthiae (Kidder, 1937) and C. parapanesthiae (Kidder, 1937) was not corroborated by the 18S rRNA gene sequences at all. Moreover, the 18S rRNA gene phylogenies suggested the C. panesthiae-like morphotype to be the ancestral phenotype from which all other clevelandellid morphotypes arose. The only exception was the C. constricta-like morphotype, which very likely branched off before the diversification of the C. panesthiae-like progenitor. The present molecular analyses also suggested that a huge proportion of the clevelandellid diversity still waits to be discovered, since examination of only four panesthiine populations revealed 10 distinct clevelandellid genotypes/molecular species.

Stentor muelleri Ehrenberg, 1831 (Figs. 3���5, Tables 1, 2) Improved diagnosis. Body size 205���570 �� 60���180 ��m in vivo (on average 365 �� 135 ��m), 500���1200 �� 60���150 ��m when extended, about 70���190 �� 35���140 ��m after protargol impregnation. Body slender trumpet-shaped to conical when extended, colorless cortical granules scattered throughout whole body, contractile vacuole with connecting canal located in anterior left margin adjacent to peristome, 9���15 peristomial kineties, 30���80 somatic ciliary rows, 5���14 moniliform spherical macronuclear nodules located at mid-body, 7���20 micronuclei located around macronuclear nodules. Mucilaginous lorica present. Locality and habitat. Freshwater pond, Gonggeomji in Yangjeong-ri, Gonggeom-myeon, Sangju-si, Gyeongsanbuk-do, Korea (36��30���45.0������N, 128��09���42.5������E). Voucher material. A slide with protargol-stained specimens was deposited in the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), Incheon, Korea, with registration number NIBRPR0000110185. The slide contains many specimens, but relevant specimens are marked by black ink circles on the slide. Description. Cell size 205���570 �� 60���180 ��m in vivo (on average 365 �� 135 ��m in vivo) (Fig. 4A), when fully extended they are 500���1200 ��m in length and 60���150 ��m in width in the peristomial area (Fig. 4D) usually about 70���190 �� 35���140 ��m in protargol impregnated specimens (Fig. 5A). Body slender trumpet-shaped when fully extended, and inverted pear-shaped in contracted specimens (Fig. 4A, D, 5A). The specimens appear dark and colorless under lower magnification (Fig. 4D, E). A small individual of S. muelleri has some brown or yellowish color spots scattered throughout the body, most likely caused by crystals or foods (Fig. 4A). Colorless cortical granules scattered between somatic kinety rows, round or oval-shaped 0.5���0.8 ��m in diameter (Fig. 4F). Cortex thin and translucent, which makes cytoplasmic organelles identifiable (Fig. 4A). 30���82 longitudinal rows of somatic cilia on surface of body parallel to the antero-posterior axis (Fig. 3D, E, 4F, 5A). Somatic cilia arise from dikinetids, 7���13 ��m long (Fig. 3C, D, arrowhead, 4F). Mitochondria (?)- type organelles were also spread on the pellicle (Fig. 4G). One contractile vacuole with a long collecting canal, located left of the peristome, 30 ��m in diameter during diastole (Fig. 3A, 4H). Peristomial area contains 9 to 15 peristomial kineties, size of peristomial cilia alike somatic cilia (Fig. 3D, 4B, 5A, B). Buccal pouch absent. Adoral zone of membranelles composed of 120���225 membranelles (Fig. 3D, 4B, 5B). The longest adoral membranelles are 10���20 ��m long. The paroral membrane is typical of the genus, consisted of a single and continuous row of thin cilia, 25���50 ��m long surrounding peristome (Fig. 3D, 5A, C). Nuclear apparatus consists of a moniliform macronucleus with 5���14 spherical nodules almost 5���25 ��m in diameter in vivo (Fig. 3A, E, 4A, 5B). Seven to 20 spherical micronuclei, 1���4 ��m in diameter in vivo located near macronuclear nodules (Fig. 4C, 5B). Cells usually live inside of mucilaginous lorica (Fig. 4D, arrowhead) composed of sand grains and other sticky particles, with length 150���700 ��m. Food vacuoles are 4���35 ��m in diameter; containing bacteria and diatoms as food (Fig. 3A). Lipid droplets, 2���10 ��m in diameter, scattered throughout body. Cell has a holdfast organelle that assists with attachment to the substrate of benthic bottom or basement of lorica (Fig. 4A, arrowhead)., Published as part of Taher, Md Abu, Kabir, Ahmed Salahuddin, Shazib, Shahed Uddin Ahmed, Kim, Min Seok & Shin, Mann Kyoon, 2020, Morphological Redescriptions and Molecular Phylogeny of Three Stentor Species (Ciliophora: Heterotrichea: Stentoridae) from Korea, pp. 435-452 in Zootaxa 4732 (3) on pages 439-440, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.3.6, http://zenodo.org/record/3667262, {"references":["Ehrenberg, C. G. (1831) Uber die Entwickelung und Lebensdauer der Infusionsthiere; nebst ferneren Beitragen zu einer Vergleichung ihrer organischen Systeme. Physikalische Abhandlungen der Ko ¨ niglichen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, 1831, l- 154."]}

The morphologies of the three freshwater stentorid ciliates in Korea, Stentor coeruleus (Pallas, 1766); Stentor muelleri Ehrenberg, 1831, and Stentor tartari Murthy & Bai, 1974, were investigated based on live observations and protargol impregnation. The Korean population of S. tartari exhibits the following characteristics: body size 200–355 × 85–135 µm in vivo, 62–106 somatic kineties, 8–13 peristomial kineties, 110–180 adoral membranelles, mostly two macronuclear nodules and 5–18 micronuclei, reddish and colorless cortical granules and the presence of symbiotic algae. We identified S. tartari based on unique characteristics compared to close congeners. Korean populations of S. coeruleus and S. muelleri are congruent with previously described populations in most aspects of their morphologies. Here, for the first time, we report molecular gene sequence information for S. tartari. Small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence-based phylogeny indicates that S. tartari, which has multiple macronuclei, forms a monophyletic group with other Stentor species having a single macronucleus. Our findings based on morphology and SSU rRNA gene sequence information corroborate the hypothesis that the elongated macronucleus evolved from the compact single or multi macronucleus state.

Stentor tartari Murthy & Bai, 1974 (Figs. 6���8, Tables 1, 2) Improved diagnosis. Body size 200���355 �� 85���135 ��m in vivo (on average 300 �� 105 ��m), 250���700 �� 70���135 ��m when extended, about 200 �� 160 ��m after protargol impregnation. Body slender trumpet-shaped to conical when extended, irregular pinkish and colorless cortical granules scattered throughout whole body, symbiotic green algae present, contractile vacuole located in anterior 1/3 of body near left margin with a collecting canal, 8���13 peristomial kineties, 62���106 somatic ciliary rows, 1���4 (average 2) macronuclear nodules located at mid-body. 5���18 micronuclei located around macronuclear nodules. Locality and habitat. Small freshwater pond (0 psu), Cheongnyang-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Korea (35��31��� 47��N, 129��13��� 41��E). Voucher material. A protargol-stained slide with fixed specimens was deposited at the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), Incheon, Korea, with registration number NIBRPR0000107178. The voucher specimens are marked by a black ink circles on the slide. Description. The freely motile cell is inverted pear-shaped and size ranges, 200���355 �� 85���135 ��m (on average 300 �� 105 ��m) in vivo (Fig. 7A). After extension, when cell relaxed, the body looks like trumpet-shaped and size ranges, 250���700 ��m in length and 70���135 ��m in width in the peristomial area. Specimens shrink considerably after protargol impregnation, i.e., 95���310 �� 75���230 ��m (on average 200 �� 160 ��m) (Fig. 8A). Two types of cortical granules, colored and colorless, irregularly arranged between somatic kineties (Fig. 7C, D). The colored cortical granules appeared pinkish red, reddish, or brown red, round or oval-shaped 0.5���1 ��m in diameter (Fig. 7C, D). Density of the colored cortical granules is higher in anterior than in mid to posterior parts of body (Fig. 7A). Colorless cortical granules are smaller than reddish granules; shape of colorless cortical granules is round to oval, 0.3���0.5 ��m in diameter (Fig. 7C). Transparent cortex makes cytoplasmic organelles easily identifiable (Fig. 7A, C, F). Sixtytwo to 106 parallel somatic kineties composed of dikinetids longitudinally arranged parallel to antero-posterior axis of cell (Fig. 6E, F, 7C, 8B). Each somatic cilium is 6���12 ��m long (Fig. 7D). Average gap between adjacent somatic kineties is 7 ��m in vivo. Mitochondria (?)-like organelles distributed on pellicle slightly more densely packed near somatic kineties (Fig. 7D, arrowhead). One contractile vacuole with a long collecting canal located left of the buccal cavity about 35 ��m in diameter during diastole (Fig. 6A, 7G). Eight to 17 peristomial kineties were observed in peristomial region (Fig. 6E, 7B, 8B) and size of peristomial cilia was similar to the size of somatic cilia. Buccal pouch absent. Adoral zone of membranelles conspicuous consist of 110���180 membranelles (Fig. 6E, 7B, 8B). Adoral zone of membranelles surrounds the peristome and finally ends at the buccal cavity (Fig. 7A, 8A). The longest adoral membranelle, 12 ��m long. The Paroral membrane is typical of the genus, consisted of a single and continuous row of thin cilia, 20���35 ��m long (Fig. 6E, 8B). Nuclear apparatus comprised of 1���5 spherical macronuclear nodules (on average 2), about 20���35 ��m in diameter in vivo, usually located at the mid-body, however the position of macronuclear nodules is not fixed (Fig. 7A, F, 8A, C). Five to 18 spherical micronuclei with a diameter of 1���2 ��m in vivo adjacent to macronuclear nodules (Fig. 7F, 8C). Symbiotic algae, 2���4 ��m in diameter in vivo, present throughout body giving it a dark to light green appearance (Fig. 7A, E, 8A). Food vacuoles are 5���30 ��m in diameter; contain bacteria, diatoms as food (Fig. 6A). Lipid droplets 2���5 ��m in diameter scattered throughout body. Holdfast organelle present at posterior end of cell (Fig. 7E, inset: arrowhead); colored cortical granules densely packed in this region exhibiting a red appearance (Fig. 7A)., Published as part of Taher, Md Abu, Kabir, Ahmed Salahuddin, Shazib, Shahed Uddin Ahmed, Kim, Min Seok & Shin, Mann Kyoon, 2020, Morphological Redescriptions and Molecular Phylogeny of Three Stentor Species (Ciliophora: Heterotrichea: Stentoridae) from Korea, pp. 435-452 in Zootaxa 4732 (3) on pages 441-442, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.3.6, http://zenodo.org/record/3667262, {"references":["Murthy, K. V. N. & Bai, A. R. K. (1974) Stentor tartari sp. n. from India. The Journal of Protozoology, 21, 505 - 506. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1550 - 7408.1974. tb 03687. x"]}

Stentor coeruleus (Pallas, 1766) Ehrenberg, 1831 (Figs. 1, 2, Tables 1, 2) Improved diagnosis: The Korean Stentor coeruleus population is highly contractile, cell size is 250���400 �� 105���160 ��m in vivo but can become more than 1000 ��m during complete extension. 100���239 �� 80���185 ��m after protargol impregnation. They are trumpet-shaped when completely extended, but freely motile or contracted specimens are inverted pear-shaped. Under low magnification, specimens are blue green in color but at higher magnification cortical granules are reddish brown in the absence of symbiotic algae; a contractile vacuole is present on the left of the oral cavity. 55���65 somatic kineties are longitudinally arranged; 20���25 peristomial kineties are vertically arranged within adoral zone membranelles; 145���165 adoral membranelles comprise the peristome. The moniliform macronucleus is composed of 6���15 spherical nodules. Micronucleus and lorica were not observed in the present study. Locality and habitat: freshwater pond, Bugokji pond in Samrak-ri, Maam-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do province, Korea (35��01���35.2������N, 128��20���40.2������E). Voucher material: A slide with protargol-stained specimens was deposited in the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), Incheon, Korea, with registration number NIBRPR0000109602. The slide includes many specimens, but the relevant specimens are marked by a black ink circle on the slide. Description: The freely motile cell is inverted pear-shaped and size ranges 250���400 �� 105���160 ��m (on average 325 �� 125 ��m) (Figs. 1A, 2B). After extension, when cell relaxed, the body looks like trumpet-shaped and size ranges, 575���1050 ��m in length and 120���135 ��m in width in the peristomial area (Fig. 1A). The specimens shrink considerably after protargol impregnation, i.e., 100���239 �� 80���285 ��m (on average 165 �� 116 ��m) (Figs. 1D, E, 2 H���J). Greenish (due to limitations of microscope and camera, CG appears greenish-brown in pictures) cortical granules (~ 0.5 ��m in diameter) irregularly arranged densely between somatic kineties (Fig. 2D). The transparent cortex makes cytoplasmic organelles easily identifiable (Figs. 2B, E, G). 55���65 somatic kineties composed of dikinetids longitudinally arranged parallel to the antero-posterior axis of cell (Figs. 1D, E, 2D, J). Each somatic cilium is 11���12 ��m long (Fig. 1C). One contractile vacuole without any visible collecting canal located left of the buccal cavity about 38 ��m in diameter during diastole (Fig. 2E). 20���25 peristomial kineties present in the peristomial region (Figs. 1D, E, 2C, I). The size of the peristomial cilia is similar to that of somatic cilia. The buccal cavity is clearly visible. Adoral zone of membranelles conspicuous, consisting of 145���165 membranelles (Figs. 1D, E, 2C, I). Adoral zone of membranelles surrounding the peristome ends at the buccal cavity (Figs. 1A, D, 2B, C, I). The breadth of adoral membranelles 12���13 ��m long, feather-like extension is nearly 33 ��m. The paroral membrane is typical of the genus, consisted of a single and continuous row of thin cilia, 20���35 ��m long (Fig. 2C). Nuclear apparatus comprised of 6���12 spherical macronuclear nodules and each nodule are connected by macronuclear bridges; nodules are globular (20���22 ��m in diameter in vivo) to ellipsoidal (25���30 ��m in length), usually located at the mid-body; however, the position of macronuclear nodules is not fixed (Figs. 1E, 2G, H). Micronucleus was not observed. Food vacuoles are 20���30 ��m in diameter; contain bacteria and algae (Figs. 1A, 2B). Lipid droplets 1.5���3.5 ��m in diameter scattered throughout the body (Fig. 2E). Holdfast organelle present at the posterior end of the cell (Fig. 2F)., Published as part of Taher, Md Abu, Kabir, Ahmed Salahuddin, Shazib, Shahed Uddin Ahmed, Kim, Min Seok & Shin, Mann Kyoon, 2020, Morphological Redescriptions and Molecular Phylogeny of Three Stentor Species (Ciliophora: Heterotrichea: Stentoridae) from Korea, pp. 435-452 in Zootaxa 4732 (3) on pages 436-437, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.3.6, http://zenodo.org/record/3667262, {"references":["Pallas, P. S. (1766) Elenchus Zoophytorum. Petrum van Cleef, Hagae-Comitum, 451 pp.","Ehrenberg, C. G. (1831) Uber die Entwickelung und Lebensdauer der Infusionsthiere; nebst ferneren Beitragen zu einer Vergleichung ihrer organischen Systeme. Physikalische Abhandlungen der Ko ¨ niglichen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, 1831, l- 154."]}

It is known that the freshwater heterotrich ciliate Blepharisma japonicum uses five pigments called blepharismins, stored in its extrusive pigment granules, for both light perception and chemical defense against predators. In this work we focused our attention on the defensive strategies of two additional pigmented species of Blepharisma, B. stoltei and B. undulans. In particular: (1) we observed the predator–prey interactions of B. stoltei or B. undulans against one multicellular and two unicellular predators; (2) we clarified the nature of B. stoltei and B. undulans pigments by means of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS); and (3) we demonstrated and compared the toxicity of the purified pigments on a panel of ciliated protists, and against one metazoan predator. The results indicate that the chemical defense mechanism present in B. stoltei and B. undulans is mediated by the same five blepharismins previously characterized for B. japonicum, although produced in different proportions.