Euglena? shapeshifting

[Bschnitzer]

Just thought this was interesting motion.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tpn96p ... sp=sharing

[Bruce Taylor]

Nice! It is a non-photosynthetic euglenid (i.e. heterotrophic) (but that doesn't quite rule out Euglena since that genus now includes a species, previously assigned to Astasia, which has shed its chloroplasts). That kind of movement, which is called "metaboly", is typical of certain species of Heteronema and Astasia, as well as Euglena. Identification would begin with determining whether it has one flagellum or two.

[Bschnitzer]

Thanks Bruce. I'm guessing the Metaboly movement serves to get nutrients and other important molecules to all parts of the organism. I believe I did observe two flagella though they aren't very apparent in the video.

[Bruce Taylor]

I believe I did observe two flagella

So, it is probably Heteronema.

[Bruce Taylor]

Another possibility: Distigma proteus.

[Bschnitzer]

After looking at Distigma videos, I think that’s the one. Thanks again Bruce.