Monommata actices (Myers, 1930)

Most likely ID: n.a.

 

Synonym: Monommata arndti

 

Sampling location: Simmelried

 

Phylogenetic tree: Monommata actices

 

Diagnosis: 

  • body elongate ovate
  • length 350–530 µm (with toes)
  • corona slightly oblique
  • lorica with distinct longitudinal striation
  • one eye spot at posterior end of ganglion
  • two reddish blisters between intestinum and bladder
  • stomach and intestine colored golden brown or orange
  • foot very short and stout
  • toes extremely long and unequal (150–400 µm long)
Monommata-actices
Monommata actices

I only find Monommata actices in the Simmelried where the species is quite common. I mainly find specimens between floating plant masses. In the sample vessel they gather at the surface.

 

Monommata actices has an eyespot, which is located at the posterior end of the ganglion (s. fig. 4). The cuticle is clearly longitudinally striated (s. figs. 1 b and 2 b) and between the intestine and the bladder is a pair of reddish blisters is located whose function is unknown (s. figs. 1 b, 1 c, 2 a and 5). At higher magnification it can be seen that these reddish blisters contain a central, reddish oil body (s. fig. 5). They could be glands that produce a reddish secretion. The stomach and intestines are always golden brown or orange in color due to ingested Synura colonies. This was the case with all the specimens I examined. The two extremely long toes are of different lengths and contain striated muscle cells. With the help of these toes, Monommata actices can perform jumps quickly.

 

The unambiguous identification of species within the genus Monommata is only possible with the trophi. To prepare this, isolated specimens must be treated with an approx. 1% SDS solution (SDS = sodium-dodecyl-sulfate). This macerates and exposes the trophi (s. fig. 6 a-b). On the trophi of Monommata actices the the alula can be recognized, which emerges from the fulcrum. This is typical for the species (compare to drawing above).

Monommata-actices

Fig. 1 a-c: Monommata actices. L = 455 µm (with toes). A freely swimming specimen from left (a, b) and from dorsal. Note the longitudinal strination of the lorica (b) and the pair of reddish colored blisters (RBL) located between intestine and bladder (BL). Obj. 40 X.

Monommata-actices

Fig. 2 a-b: Monommata actices. Two focal planes of a slightly squashed specimen. Note the reddish blister (RBL) and the longitudinal striation (LS) of the lorica. Obj. 60 X.

Monommata-actices

Fig. 3: Monommata actices. A specimen from dorsal with two reddish blisters (RBL). BL = bladder. Obj. 40 X.

Monommata-actices

Fig. 4: Monommata actices. Dorsal view of a slightly squashed specimen with focal plane on the both dorsal antennae (DA). Obj. 100 X.

Monommata-actices

Fig. 5: Monommata actices. A strongly squashed specimen from right. ES = eyespot, INT = intestine, RBL = reddish blister, ST = stomach, TR = trophi, Vit = vitellarium. Obj. 60 X

Monommata-actices

Fig. 6 a-b: Monommata actices. Two focal planes of the macerated trophi in a strongly squashed specimen. AL = alula, FU = fulcrum, Man = manubria, R = rami. Obj. 100 X.

Monommata-actices

Fig. 7 a-b: Monommata actices. Two focal planes of a an amictic egg. Obj. 100 X.