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group
Massisteria (mass-hysteria) is a cercomonad flagellate, with one species (M. marina ), measuring 2.5 to 6.5 microns, dorso-ventrally flattened irregular body. Cells produce delicate pseudopodia with extrusomes, which extend radially from the cell and normally adhere to the substrate. Two short curved flagella arise from the dorsal side of the cell and are relatively inactive in trophic cells, and are very hard to see. Cells may withdraw pseudopodia, and swim using the flagella. Several cells are shown here to illustrate the variation which occurs. Phase contrast. This picture was taken by Linda Amaral Zettler and David Patterson of material from the freshwater River Hudson in New York State, USA. Image copyright: L Amaral-Zettler and D. J. Patterson, image used under license to MBL (micro*scope).
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Massisteria
From the collection
Hudson River, New York
| Description of Massisteria: Cercomonads, small body, usually under 5 µm, which in trophic organisms emits curving sometimes branched fine pseudopodia with extrusomes, and have the flagella lying inactive over body surface. Under some circumstances. the arms may be resorbed and the organism will swim actively. Trophont does not move actively, feeds usually on bacteria. Multicellular forms are encountered. To date, reported only from marine sites. Type species: M. marina. |
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Massisteria in other collections
Massisteria marina, from
Heterotrophic flagellates of marine habitats
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Massisteria marina, from
Drawings of flagellates
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Massisteria, from
Plum Island, Massachusetts coast, USA
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Massisteria, from
Plum Island, Massachusetts coast, USA
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Massisteria, from
Prawn Farm, Queensland, Australia
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Massisteria, from
Eel Pond, Woods Hole, Massachusetts
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Massisteria marina, from
Heterotrophic flagellates of Botany Bay, Sydney, Australia
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