Here we have a Limnias rotifer. The pond from which I usually collect samples had abundant numbers of these last year, and it seems like there are plenty to be found this year as well. They are one of the most amazing little creatures I have seen under the microscope. The motion of their cilia is mesmerizing to watch. These rotifers certainly live up to the "wheel animalcule" moniker.
I photographed this specimen using brightfield and phase contrast, in both cases using a 40X objective and electronic flash. I find both vesions interesting, with the phase contrast working out much better than I had expected.
These rotifers build a "tube" dwelling. If you would like a more "overall" view, I posted this darkfield one a while back:
http://www.photomacrography1.net/forum/ ... php?t=1330
) They can be found under floating leaves such as duckweed or lillies.