Observations Upon Chilomastix from Bufo vulgaris, with notes on Chilomastix aulastomi

Abstract

1. Chilomastix from Bufo vulgaris has been grown in culture media but a “pure” strain was not obtained. Division and encystment occurred.2. Two types of division were found. In one type the original cytostome and flagella persisted and a new set was formed from one pair of basal granules. In the other type the original cytostome disappeared and two new ones were formed from the two pairs of basal granules. This second type of division is similar to that of Chilomastix aulastomi from Haemopis sanguisuga.3. It is therefore probable that two species of Chilomastix are present in Bufo vulgaris.4. Cysts of Chilomastix from Bufo vulgaris and of Chilomastix aulastomi were studied. Nuclear division was never seen in them.I wish to offer my best thanks to Mr Clifford Dobell, F.R.S., for kindly reading through the manuscript.