mystery microbe

[Bix]

Can anyone help ID this? Found in fresh water. Has collar of rotating cilia, and band around middle.

Thanks! Tina

[Bruce Taylor]

That is a peritrich ciliate in the genus Campanella. It has come loose from its stalk, and is forming a posterior wreath of cilia, so it is in the process of transforming into a swarmer, or "telotroch," the migratory form that peritrichs assume when traveling to a new spot.

[Bix]

Thanks so much, Bruce! I was hoping that you would be checking the forum. Such as interesting creature. We thought at first it might be a Astylozoon - close as we could get.

Appreciate that you share your knowledge.

Tina