ANCORA-PROLIFERA SP-N, A GREGARINE PARASITE OF MICROPHTHALMUS-EPHIPPIOPHORUS CLAUSEN (POLYCHAETA, HESIONIDAE)

Ancora prolifera sp.n. (Gregarinasina) is described from the interstit ial polychaete Microphthalmus ephippiophorus Clausen, 1986. The parasi te was studied in the live host by phase and interference contrast opt ics and as wholemounts of host and isolated trophozoites. The trophozo ite has a broadened anterior portion with a pair of unequal lateral pr ocesses, a long, triangle-shaped posterior portion, and numerous longi tudinal pellicular striations. It is characterized by exogenous buddin g. Gametogony has not been observed, but zoites were seen to develop i nto the characteristic trophozoite. The role of the budding is briefly discussed.