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Description:

Streblomastix (streb-low-mast-icks) is a long rod-shaped or filamentous oxymonad flagellate. Usually about 20-50 microns long, but may extend to several hundred microns. The body surface is carved in deep spiral ridges (4 to 8) and covered with long rod shaped epibiotic bacteria. The 4 flagella are inserted subapically at the base of a holdfast and do not adhere to the cell body. The holdfast develops in cells attached to the intestinal wall. They probably feed by pinocytosis. Streblomastix strix Kofoid & Swezy 1919 is the only named species. From the termite Zootermopsis, supplied by Wards Natural Science Establishment, Rochester, New York, USA. Phase contrast.