Unknown Sphagnum ciliate

[NachoBen]

Hi everyone!

I have found a single specimen of this organism in Sphagnum moss beside a spring.



I see 8 CV and a large cytopharynx. In the lower magnification image I think I can see a horseshoe-shaped nucleus (?). And perhaps also a tuft of cilia on the posterior side.
By the way, ithe critter moves backwards strangely.

What can it be? Maybe a contracted dileptid?

Thank you!

[Bruce Taylor]

A dileptid, but damaged, not contracted. The proboscis is missing (which happens a lot, with dileptids). The tail looks slightly damaged as well. Luckily, most dileptids are able to grow a new trunk and tail after an injury of this kind.

[NachoBen]

Thank you so much, Bruce.

This is my first time with a crippled critter, not to mention a damaged dileptid. Life in Sphagnum must be very tough!