Thuricola folliculata ciliate. Light microscope differential interference contrast (DIC) footage of the peritrich ciliate Thuricola folliculata. This sessile microscopic organism is found in water, attached to other plants and animals by a stalk. This species houses symbiotic green algae (genus Chlorella), and has a shell-like protective chitinous outer covering (a lorica), with a flap valve. On disturbance, the ciliate retracts into its housing. This retraction occurs three times in this clip. Magnification: x285 at 10 centimetres across.