title: Revision of the family Lagenophryidae Bütschli, 1889 and description of the family Usconophryidae n. fam. (Ciliophora, Peritricha).
abstract: Ten species of lagenophryid peritrichs in three genera are redescribed or described for the first time. Based on this information, the family Lagenophryidae was found to consist of five genera: Lagenophrys, Paralagenophrys, Clistolagenophrys n. g., Setonophrys, and Operculigera. Lagenophryid genera differ in gross structure of the lorica aperture and the peristomial sphincter associated with it. Shape of the lorica and mode of attachment to the host are not generic characteristics in the Lagenophryidae. Differences in shape evolved within each of the three largest lagenophryid genera merely as adaptations for attachment to different parts of a host. Usconophrys, formerly in the Lagenophryidae, and Cyclodonta are assigned to the family Usconophryidae n. fam., which is characterized by possession of a lorica, lack of a closure apparatus operated by the peristomial sphincter, and possession of an operculariform peristome. Lagenophrys, Setonophrys, and Paralagenophrys appear to have evolved separately and convergently from ancestors within Operculigera. Lagenophryid lorica apertures consisting of opposing lips probably evolved as tight seals to prevent water loss when the host is temporarily out of water. The greater diversity and wider distribution of Lagenophrys compared with other lagenophryid genera may result from an advantage in recolonizing hosts conferred by second-type division.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, North Carolina Central University, Durham 27707.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Clamp
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016798:Ciliophora / Q000145:classification*