Rotaria magna-calcarata; specimen on the dorsal side of the carapax of an amphipod crustacean (Gammarus sp.). (4)
Rotaria magna-calcarata; whirling specimen with expanded corona, dorsoventral view. In contrast toRotaria socialis the trunk is distinct from the foot (see image below.
Rotaria magna-calcarata; creeping pregnant specimen (see trophi below) with retracted corona, dorsoventral view. Characteristic is the distinct foot and the long spurs (SL : SSW > 2), which is in contrast toRotaria socialis (3)
Rotaria magna-calcarata; in focus are two specimens as commensals between the gills of a gammarid crustaceans. Also found very often on Assellus aquaticus.
Rotaria magna-calcarata; whirling specimen; frontal view on the corona. (3)
Rotaria magna-calcarata; whirling. This species has a very prominent bulge of the cingulum (arrowheads). The rostrum is orientated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the animal while whirling. While most Rotaria-species have eyespots on the rostrum this species is eyeless (another eyeless Rotaria species is Rotaria sordida). The upper lip is a single bow, which is in contrast to Rotaria socialis (1)
Rotaria magna-calcarata; ramate trophi . Left: cephalic view; dental formula (DF): 2/2. Right: caudal view; ramus length (RaL) : 32µm. Images not to scale. (2)
Rotaria magna-calcarata; comparison of the trophi of adult and of embryo (mother and daughter). The manubria of the embryo are not yet fully developed, but have the same dimensions like the mothe (ramus length (RaL): 33µm). (3)
Rotaria magna-calcarata; the arrow points to the bladder of this specimen which is infested by the parasite Leptoclava parasita. Also an embryo is visible (marked by arrowheads). (4)
Rotaria magna-calcarata; bladder of the above specimen is infested by the parasite Leptoclava parasita. L. parasita seems to infest mainly Rotaria species: also Rotaria macrura has been observed with this parasite. (4) More on this here >>>
