The
Blepharisma is a rather large, common protozoan and belongs to the Phyllum
Ciliophora. It is from 150-300 um long and is rose colored. Under
bright light, it becomes colorless. It is an interesting ciliate to
watch and is easily observed. Blepharisma
eat smaller ciliates and euglena and have been noted to be
cannibals. They
are readily available from science supply companies, hold up well in the
classroom and make good Ciliophora specimens. To observe them
closely, add bits of cotton fiber to your sample to trap and localize a
specimen. |
