The gut flagellate community of the termite Neotermes cubanus with special reference to Staurojoenina and Trichocovina hrdyi nov. gen. nov. sp.

At least seven species of flagellates have been found to inhabit the paunch of the termite Neotermes cubanus. Staurojoenina sp. is the largest species, measuring 100-150mum in length. Three small parabasalids belong to the genera Tritrichomonas, Metadevescovina, and Foaina. A fourth small type is described as Trichocovina hrdyi nov. gen. nov. sp.; the combination of features in this flagellate, such as the presence of a costa, undulating membrane and spiralled dictyosome, does not fit to any known genus. The two oxymonad species do not possess a rostellum. One belongs to the family Polymastigidae; it has one unattached flagellum and three partially attached flagella. The second is a member of the family Pyrsonymphidae, but this one possesses ring-like surface structures, one free flagellum and three spirally attached flagella. It is the first report of a pyrsonymphid in a kalotermitid termite.