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Trachelomonas (Euglenidae)

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Diagnostic features

Euglenoid unicell contained within a rounded or flask-shaped, sometimes spiky lorica (rigid shell, which is often coloured red-brown). Cell wall is composed of a pellicle of proteinaceous strips that are flexible as in Euglena, and may be seen moving within the lorica.  A flagellum extends through a collared "bottleneck" in the lorica. Chloroplasts numerous, green, discoidal. A large red eyespot is present outside the chloroplasts.  Cellular features may be difficult to see if the lorica is deeply pigmented.

[Trachelomonas] (sewage pond), X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Trachelomonas (sewage pond), X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Trachelomonas], Lake Tuakitoto, X1600. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Trachelomonas, Lake Tuakitoto, X1600. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Abundant in nutrient-rich ponds, including sewage ponds.

Classification

Kingdom Protozoa
Phylum Euglenozoa
Class Euglenoidea
Order Euglenida
Family Euglenidae
Common name Euglenoids