Home / Non-PS_Flagellates_and_Ciliates / Ciliates / Dileptus
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Name derivation:
Classification:
Order Haptorida; Family Tracheliidae Approximately 12 species are recognized.
Morphology:
Body 230-800 µm long, comprised of an elongated, slender, fusiform trunk with a pointed posterior end and a long proboscis that can be as long as the trunk. Usually green due to the numerous zoochlorellae. The organism exhibits a slow to moderate speed swimming accompanied by movements of the proboscis that sweeps around in search of food. The mouth is located at the junction of the posterior end of the proboscis.
Similar genera:
Habitat:
Freshwater lakes and streams. Perennial.
References: