Morphologic and molecular characterization of Brachonella pulchra (Kahl, 1927) comb. nov. (Armophorea, Ciliophora) with comments on cyst structure and formation

Abstract

In this article we provide morphologic and morphometric data based on in vivo observation, protargol impregnation, scanning electron microscopy and an 18S rRNA gene sequence for another member of the genus Brachonella, Brachonella pulchra comb. nov. (basionym: Metopus pulcher Kahl, 1927). We also provide preliminary data on resting cyst structure and formation in Brachonella pulchra and discuss the possible taxonomic usefulness of these structures.