Notommata contorta (Stokes, 1897)
Most likely ID: n.a.
Synonym: n.a.
Sampling location: Pond of the convent Hegne
Phylogenetic tree: Notommata contorta
Diagnosis:
- body worm-shaped
- length 200–300 µm
- posterior part of body with transverse folds
- corone reach one third of ventral side
- auricles short, inconspicuous
- eyespot small, orange or pale-yellowish
- retrocerebral organ with refractive bodies (“bacterioids”)
- toes conical, short (7–9 µm)
I have only found one specimen of Notommata contorta so far. The species is slender and has a worm-shaped body. Characteristic are the transverse folds in the posterior half of the body, which can also be seen in the elongated specimen. The corona extends over a third of the ventral side. Apically, a somewhat protruding rostrum can be recognized. The retrocerebral organ is filled with birefringent bodies (crystals?) and shines brightly in DIC. Thus I could not recognize the only weakly developed eyespot. Donner (1949) assumed that there is no bladder present. It is quite small, but according to my observations it is present (s. fig. 1 b). The stomach of my specimen was completely empty, so that it remains unclear what Notommata contorta feeds on.
More information and images on Notommata contorta: Michael Plewka-Freshwater life-Notommata contorta
Fig. 1 a-c: Notommata contorta. L = 231 µm. A fully elongated (a, b) and contracted specimen. Note the transferse folds of the cuticle in posterior half of the body. BL = bladder, CG = cerebral ganglion, DA = dorsal antannae, GG = gastric glands, RCS = retrocerebral sac, ST = stomach, TO = toes, Vit = vitellarium. Obj. 60 X.
Fig. 2 a-b: Notommata contorta. Two focal planes of the anterior half. Obj. 100 X.
Fig. 3 a-b: Notommata contorta. Two focal planes of the trophi. Obj. 100 X.