taxonID	type	description	language	source
0397E660DC5B831DFC6D45CBF118FCBA.taxon	description	(Figs 2, 3; Table 2) ZooBank registration: urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 8 AD 1 A 266 - 44 AF- 4 BD 0 - A 0 ED- 0 E 0 A 6 ACFE 65 E. Diagnosis: Cell size 20 – 35 × 10 – 20 μm in vivo, shape fusiform; 26 – 32 longitudinal somatic ciliary rows, forming three oblique ciliary girdles, making a turn slightly more than 360 °. Region below posterior end of last girdle about 36 % of body length, with spare cilia inserted. Caudal cilium about half body length. Epaulet present, including two to four kineties on right dorsal side with four to six kinetosomes, respectively. Ventrolateral fragment comprised of three or four kinetosomes. Oral opening oval, about 30 % of cell length. Oral ciliature composed of two semicircular kineties intersecting spatially and one short kinety. Etymology: We dedicate this new species to Prof. Wilhelm Foissner, University of Salzburg, Austria, in recognition of his significant contribution to the taxonomy of ciliates. Type locality: Sediments of intertidal zone in Tangdao Bay Park, ºingdao, China (35 ° 55 ʹ 53.8 ″ N; 120 ° 12 ʹ 09.1 ″ E). Type deposition: The protargol slide (registration number: LR 2020062501 - 01) with the holotype specimen (Figs 2 H, I, 3 P) and several paratype specimens, and another slide (registration number: LR 2020062501 - 02) with paratype specimens were deposited in the Laboratory of Protozoology, Ocean University of China, ºingdao, China. The holotype was marked by a black ink circle on back side of the slide. Description of Chinese population: Body non-contractile, 20 – 35 × 10 – 20 μm in vivo with a ratio of length to width 1.9 – 2.4: 1 and decreased to 1.2 – 1.7: 1 aħer protargol staining. Body fusiform with anterior and posterior end slightly narrowed, dorsal side with slight concavity in posterior-third of body (Figs 2 A – C, 3 A – C, J, L). Macronucleus spherical to broadly ellipsoidal, centrally located or a liưle downward, 5 – 8 × 4 – 7 µm in vivo, many nucleoli always aưached to its outer surface in stained cells, but hardly observed in vivo (Figs 2 A, C, G, 3 C, D, G, P). Single globular micronucleus aưached to, or located near, macronucleus, 1 – 2 μm across in stained cells, usually unrecognizable in vivo (Figs 2 G, 3 D). Endoplasm colourless, containing numerous 1 – 2 μm across lipid droplets, few acontractile vacuoles and food vacuoles located at posterior part of cell (Figs 2 A, 3 A – C, J, M). Swims slowly by rotating around main body axis, always spiralling to the leħ. Somatic cilia 5 – 10 μm long, arranged in 26 – 32 longitudinal somatic ciliary rows, forming three oblique parallel ciliary girdles, visible in both living and stained individuals (Figs 2 A, D, H, I, 3 F – I, L, P, º). Girdles beginning right to several kinetids located at the anterior end of oral kineties, extending downward along the cell surface, slightly more than 360 °, with the passing surface a liưle dented (Figs 2 D, 3 M). Region below posterior end of last girdle 5 – 11 μm long, 36 % of body length, with cilia irregularly and loosely arranged, mixing with mucocysts (Figs 2 H, I, 3 P, º). One flexible caudal cilium, 11 – 18 μm long, about half cell length (Figs 2 A – C, 3 A, C). Two to four somatic kineties on right dorsal side of oral area, composed of four to six kinetosomes each, forming a quadrilateral area so-called epaulet (Figs 2 I, 3 G – I). Ventrolateral fragment (VLF) located at right ventral side, about the same level as posterior end of oral kineties, comprised of three or four kinetosomes, arranged obliquely, further from somatic and oral kineties (Figs 2 H, 3 P, º). Thin argentophilic lines visible aħer staining, connecting longitudinally somatic ciliary rows (Figs 2 H, I, 3 N). Oral region oval in shape, 4 – 8 μm long, about 30 % of cell length (Figs 2 A – C, 3 J). Funnel-like buccal cavity, transversely extending from lower half of oral region to dorsal side (Figs 2 C, 3 K). Oral ciliature including three monokinetidal oral kineties on leħ margin of oral region. Two longer oral kineties in a semicircle. Oral kinety 2 (OK 2) slightly shorter than oral kinety 1 (OK 1). OK 1 and OK 2 crossed at about midportion or slightly below (Figs 2 E, F, H, 3 F, O – º). Oral kinety 3 (OK 3) especially short, hard to distinguish on ventral side, but sometimes recognized in leħ lateral view (Figs 2 F, 3 F). Kinetidal composition at the anterior part of OK 1 is highly variable, usually formed by three dikinetids but a few individuals appear in other combinations such as two dikinetids or two dikinetids with one trikinetid (Figs 2 E, H, 3 O). Cytopharyngeal fibres thin, S-shaped, only visible in stained cells, 11 – 17 μm long (Fig. 3 E).	en	Li, Ran, Zhuang, Wenbao, Feng, Xiaochen, Al-Farraj, Saleh A., Schrecengost, Anna, Roưerova, Johana, Beinart, Roxanne A., Hu, Xiaozhong (2023): Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of three anaerobic plagiopyleans (Alveolata: Ciliophora), retrieved from two geographically distant localities in Asia and North America. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 199 (2): 493-510, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad015, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad015
0397E660DC5E831DFEB440FDF7ADFA2C.taxon	description	(Figs 4, 5; Table 3) ZooBank registration: urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: DD 5 C 54 CE- 052 D- 4 C 2 B-BA 78 - 89 C 3 B 604 B 104. Diagnosis: Cell size 55 – 80 × 25 – 45 μm in vivo, shape ellipsoidal. Length to width ratio 1.4 – 2.2: 1 in vivo. 50 – 58 monokinetidal somatic kineties. Cilia above the oral opening loosely arranged. One globular to slightly ellipsoidal macronucleus and one small, spherical micronucleus. Striated band about 32 μm long, extending to below midbody. One dense ciliary row. Numerous curved extrusomes, 8 – 11 µm long. Region above oral opening about 30 % of cell length. Tube-shaped buccal cavity obliquely extended to the leħ dorsal side, about 80 % of cell width, bending upwards in the middle. Etymology: Composite of the Latin words rara (few, sparse) and saeta (bristle ~ cilia), referring to sparse cilia above the oral opening. Type locality: Sediments of intertidal zone in Bainidi Park, ºingdao, China (36 ° 12 ʹ 03.1 ″ N; 120 ° 22 ʹ 27.3 ″ E). Type deposition: The protargol slide (registration number: LR 2020071701 - 01) with the holotype specimen (Figs 4 H, I, 5 F, G) and several paratype specimens, and another slide (registration number: LR 2020071701 - 02) with several paratype specimens were deposited in the Laboratory of Protozoology, Ocean University of China, ºingdao, China. The holotype was marked by a black ink circle on the back side of the slide. Description of Chinese population: Body non-contractile, 55 – 80 × 25 – 45 μm in vivo, with length to width ratio 1.4 – 2.2: 1. Shape ellipsoidal in both living and stained cells, dorsoventrally flaưened (Figs 4 A, 5 A, B). Cortex ridged with kinetosomes located at top of ridges (Fig. 5 K). Cytoplasm colourless, including numerous small globular granules and a few food vacuoles with green algae inside (Figs 4 A, 5 A, B, L). One globular to slightly ellipsoidal macronucleus, 18 – 23 × 18 – 20 µm in vivo and 13 – 22 × 12 – 21 µm aħer staining, mostly located at midbody (Figs 4 A, E, 5 E). Single globular micronucleus, relatively small, 1.1 – 1.7 µm across in stained specimens, always slightly enveloped by macronucleus, hardly observed in vivo (Fig. 5 E). Numerous curved extrusomes 8 – 11 µm long, distributed randomly in endoplasm and relatively densely under the cortex (Figs 4 A, B, 5 L). Extruded extrusomes slender, needle-shaped, 20 – 37 µm long (Figs 4 C, 5 C). Single subterminal contractile vacuole, opens dorsally with two distinct pores (Figs 4 A, D, 5 A, B, K, N). Striated band on dorsal surface, 29 – 35 µm long, 3 – 4 µm wide, extending below midlength. In normal cells, striated band usually rodshaped viewed from dorsal side, parallel to ciliary rows, loop at the front part easily observed in compressed cells (Figs 4 D, I, 5 O). Swims by spiralling counter-clockwise around body axis. Sluggish or even motionless aħer a period of exposure to air. Somatic cilia 10 – 15 µm long, uniformly packed in 50 – 58 monokinetidal longitudinal kineties (25 – 31 on ventral, 25 – 30 on dorsal), except for about two dikinetid-like structures right to frontal region of striated band (Figs 4 G, H, I, 5 F, G). Cilia above the oral opening arranged loosely (Figs 4 H, 5 F). Seven to nine caudal cilia positioned at leħ rear margin, rigid, around 10 µm long, oriented to lower leħ (Figs 4 A, 5 M). One dense ciliary row (DC), 8 – 11 µm long, comprised of 10 – 16 kinetosomes, located leħ to cytoproct on dorsal side (Figs 4 D, I, 5 G). Oral opening slit-shaped, opened at right ventral surface, surrounded by two lip-like structures (Figs 4 A, H, 5 A, B, F, H, J). No obvious nose-like structure on right side of upper oral lip. Region above oral opening about 30 % of cell length. Buccal cavity long and thick, obliquely extended to leħ dorsal side, forming a deep tube, about 80 % of cell width, making an upwards bend in middle (Figs 4 F, 5 D, H, I). Distance from anterior end of cell to top of buccal cavity 10 – 12 μm. Oral ciliature much denser than somatic one and discontinuous, leaving gaps around upper and lower lips, with upper gap 2 – 4 μm wide (Figs 4 H, 5 F). Oral kineties (51 – 56) extended from exterior of oral cavity to interior (Figs 4 F, H, 5 D, F). Upper oral lip kineties 5 – 8 μm long (Figs 4 F, H, 5 D, F).	en	Li, Ran, Zhuang, Wenbao, Feng, Xiaochen, Al-Farraj, Saleh A., Schrecengost, Anna, Roưerova, Johana, Beinart, Roxanne A., Hu, Xiaozhong (2023): Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of three anaerobic plagiopyleans (Alveolata: Ciliophora), retrieved from two geographically distant localities in Asia and North America. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 199 (2): 493-510, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad015, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad015
0397E660DC5E8312FC6946EFF3F2F953.taxon	description	(Figs 6, 7; Table 3) 1931 Plagiopyla flontata Kahl, Tierwelt Dtl., 21, fig. 45.10. 1933 Plagiopyla flontata Kahl, Tierwelt N, fig. 9.3. 2000 Plagiopyla flontata Esteban et al., J. Nat. Hist., 34, figs 34 – 37. 2007 Plagiopyla flontata Jankowski, Russian Acad. Sci., p. 792 (revision). 2019 Plagiopyla flontata Nitla et al., Zool. J. Linn. Soc., 186, p. 35 (revision). 2022 Plagiopyla flontata Omar & Jung, J. Spec. Res., 11, fig. 4. Although Plagiopyla flontata has been known for a long time, most descriptions lack molecular and infraciliature data. Based on the previous and current information, the improved diagnosis is provided here. Improved diagnosis: Cell size 55 – 120 × 30 – 67 μm in vivo, shape slim ellipsoidal. Length to width ratio about 2: 1 in vivo; 40 – 68 somatic kineties. Striated band about 32 μm long and 3 μm wide, extending down to below midbody. One nearly spherical macronucleus and one spherical micronucleus. Two or three dense ciliary rows. Extrusomes 4 – 6 μm long, curved or straight. Region above oral opening about 17 % of cell length, perpendicular to the oral opening. Tube-like buccal cavity about 60 % of cell width, extending transversely to leħ. Voucher slides: Three protargol slides (registration numbers: LR 2020121301 - 01, LR 2020121301 - 02, LR 2020121301 - 03) with voucher specimens were deposited in the Laboratory of Protozoology, Ocean University of China, ºingdao, China. Description of Chinese population: Body size 70 – 100 × 30 – 40 μm in vivo and 60 – 90 × 25 – 40 μm aħer protargol staining, with the ratio of length to width about 2: 1. Cell slim ellipsoidal, acontractile, dorsoventrally flaưened (Figs 6 A, E, F, 7 A, B). Cytoplasm colourless, containing several food vacuoles and many fat globules (Figs 6 A, 7 A, B, E). One macronucleus, nearly spherical, 17 – 29 × 14 – 22 μm in vivo, located below oral opening (Figs 6 A, E, F, H, 7 A, E, L, M). Single globular micronucleus, about 3 μm in diameter, enveloped by macronucleus (Figs 6 A, E, F, H, 7 I). Extrusomes relatively short, 4 – 6 μm long, mainly distributed under the cortex, curved or straight shaped (Figs 6 B, C, 7 E, H). Extruded extrusomes about 20 µm long, slender, needle-shaped with one end slightly inflated. Single contractile vacuole located near posterior end of cell with two pores (Figs 6 G, 7 D). Striated band 28 – 42 µm long, 2 – 4 µm wide, extending below midbody (Figs 6 G, I, 7 G, M). Cytoproct located on dorsal side of cell (Figs 6 G, 7 F). Swims slowly by rotating around main longitudinal axis of cell. Somatic cilia 11 – 14 µm long, densely and evenly distributed on the cell surface forming 56 – 68 longitudinal kineties (23 – 32 ventral kineties, 26 – 42 dorsal kineties) mainly composed of monokinetids, except for several kinetosomes irregularly and densely arranged near loop of striated band (Figs 6 H, I, 7 L, M). Dorsal kineties including 16 – 28 dorso-leħ kineties and 10 – 14 dorso-right kineties that form a suture at the posterior end of the cell. Seven to nine rigid caudal cilia, 11 – 14 µm long (Fig. 6 A). Two or three dense ciliary rows located leħ to cytoproct (Figs 6 G, I, 7 M). Oral opening wide-belt shaped, surrounded by two lip-like structures without nose-like protuberance on right side (Figs 6 A, D, E, H, 7 L). Region above oral opening 15 – 18 % of cell length, outline perpendicular to oral opening (Figs 6 A, E, F, H, 7 A, B). Tube-like buccal cavity short, extending transversely to leħ, about 60 % of cell width (Figs 6 D – F, 7 A, J, K). Upper oral lip kineties 3 – 5 µm long. Gap between upper oral lip kineties and somatic kineties 2 – 4 µm (Figs 6 H, 7 L); 52 – 58 oral kineties on cell surface and extending inwards (Figs 6 D, H, 7 J – L). Molecular data and phylogenetic analyses Twenty-one newly obtained SSU rRNA gene sequences were deposited in the GenBank database with length (bp), GC base content, accession numbers, and origin information shown in Table 1. Sequence identities and max BLAST scores are shown in the Supporting Information, Table S 1. The topologies of the phylogenetic trees from ML and BI analyses were almost identical, therefore only the ML tree topology is shown here (Fig. 8). All members of the family Plagiopylidae cluster together with maximum support (100 % ML, 1.00 BI) and comprise two clades. In Clade I, ML analysis shows that the Chinese population of Plagiopyla flontata (SHAZIKOU OP 114648) groups with four American populations (PJ 7 OP 186392, NARRIV 13 OP 186393, NAPAT 2 B OP 186394, NAPAT 2 OP 186395), then clusters with another sequence of P. flontata (Z 29440). However, these six P. flontata sequences are parallel to each other in BI analysis. Two sequences of P. nasuta (Z 29442, KY 563719) form a fully supported subclade, which is sister to the P. flontata subclade group. In Clade II, 10 newly obtained Plagiopyla species sequences (BI 27 A OP 186391, BI 29 B OP 186390, BLAPTMUD OP 186389, GB 33 B OP 186388, GOOSE 1 A OP 186387, JUDRED OP 186385, JUD 8 OP 186386, NINISW OP 186384, SAÞ 1 B OP 186383, and SAÞ 1 B 3 OP 186382) group together with P. ovata (MW 762810) forming a strong branch (100 % ML, 1.00 BI), then followed by P. ramani (KY 563720), P. rariseta (BAINIDI OP 114647), and P. narasimhamurtii (KY 563721) with P. mystax (AF 527757), respectively, with low support (19 %, 35 %, 41 %) in ML analysis, whilethesefoursequencesgrouptogetherinBIanalysis. Plagiopyla species (FJ 875150) is sister to other sequences in Clade II in both analyses. The family Trimyemidae is also a fully supported monophyletic group. Five Trimyema foissneri (TANGDAO OP 114646, NINIBRI 4 OP 186378, JUDFA OP 186379, JUD 81 OP 186380, and JUD 11 A OP 186381) sequences cluster together with maximum support (100 % ML, 1.00 BI) and together are sister to the assemblage containing T. compressum (AB 285526, Z 29438), T. finlayi (MF 074215), and Trimyema species (Z 29441) with moderate support (86 % ML, 0.89 BI).	en	Li, Ran, Zhuang, Wenbao, Feng, Xiaochen, Al-Farraj, Saleh A., Schrecengost, Anna, Roưerova, Johana, Beinart, Roxanne A., Hu, Xiaozhong (2023): Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of three anaerobic plagiopyleans (Alveolata: Ciliophora), retrieved from two geographically distant localities in Asia and North America. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 199 (2): 493-510, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad015, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad015
