Insights into the systematics of the family Ophryoscolecidae (Ciliophora, Entodiniomorphida)

Abstract

The family Ophryoscolecidae currently comprises 225 species of trichostomatid ciliates, subdivided into three subfamilies (Entodiniinae, Diplodiniinae, and Ophryoscolecinae). The last taxonomic review of the family was performed 55 years ago, but recent morphological and molecular studies indicate the need for a profound review of the systematics of this taxon, since its current taxonomy is insufficient to organize the diversity of the group. Here, we briefly review the systematics of the family Ophryoscolecidae based on information recovered from the literature and new morphological and molecular data. We add four new 18S rDNA sequences of ophryoscolecids to molecular databases, which contributed to improving the comprehension of intrafamily relationships within this group. Finally, we discuss some systematic problems and suggest approaches to resolve such inconsistencies in the future.

Morphometric and Molecular Analysis of Five-Spine Epidinium Morphotypes Taken from the Rumen of European Bison, Bison bonasus

“…Rumen commensal ciliates (Protista, Ciliophora, Litostomatea, Trichostomatia) take an active part in the fermentation processes Life 2023, 13, 2350 2 of 12 in the rumen. We know more than 225 species of rumen ophryoscolecid ciliates described morphologically [11][12][13]. Their phenotypic plasticity makes identification difficult [14,15].…”