A Protozoon (Dileptus; Ciliata) Predatory upon Metazoa

Abstract

Dileptus, a common holotrich, may function as a predator upon a variety of metazoan animals representing such varied phyla as Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Aschelminthes, Annelida, and Mollusca. Very young animals and wounded animals are especially vulnerable. Effective predation is directly related to the concentration of Dileptus to which the victim is exposed.