Trichonympha

Trichonympha is a genus of single-celled, anaerobic parabasalids of the order Hypermastigia that is found exclusively in the hindgut of lower termites and wood roaches. Trichonympha's bell shape and thousands of flagella make it an easily recognizable cell. The symbiosis between lower termites/wood roaches and Trichonympha is highly beneficial to both parties: Trichonympha helps its host digest cellulose and in return receives a constant supply of food and shelter. Trichonympha also has a variety of bacterial symbionts that are involved in sugar metabolism and nitrogen fixation.

== Etymology == The word Trichonympha is a compound of the New Latin word 'tricho' and the word 'nympha'. 'Tricho' in its simplest form refers to hair, and in this case makes reference to the many flagella of Trichonympha. The ending 'nympha' was chosen by Joseph Leidy in 1877 when he first observed Trichonympha because their flagella reminded him of nymphs from a "spectacular drama" he had recently enjoyed