Genus ASTASIA Ehr.
Flagellates with one flagellum, a spindle-form body and a high degree of plasticity, the contour constantly changing. A distinct, usually striped cuticle is invariably present. "Eye-spots" are absent. Fresh and salt water.
Astasia contorta Duj. Fig. 16.
Astasia inflata Duj. '41.
The body is colorless, transparent, and flexible. It is largest in the center, thence tapering at the two extremities. The surface of the cuticle is obliquely striated, giving to the animal a distinctly twisted appearance. The contractile vacuole is in the anterior neck-like portion of the body. The flagellum is inserted in a distinct œsophageal tube, into which the contractile vacuole empties. This tube is continued into a deeper pharyngeal apparatus of unknown function.
Common in decaying algæ. Length 60µ; greatest diameter 30µ.
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Fig. 16.—Two aspects of Astasia contorta. [ ENLARGE ] |
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