Oculosida

(invertebrate zoology) An order of the protozoan subclass Radiolaria; pores are restricted to certain areas in the central capsule, and an olive-colored material is always present near the astropyle.

An order of Radiolaria. Pores of these protozoans are restricted to certain areas in the central capsule, which may be a single or double membrane in different groups. The order is subdivided on the basis of arrangement of the pores. In the Monopylina (Nassellarina) pores lie at one pole of the single-layered capsule. In the Tripylina (Phaeodorina) the major opening (astropyle) usually contains a perforated plate. A common feature is the presence, near the astropyle, of olive-colored material (possibly it is partially digested food) sometimes known as phaeodium. See also Radiolaria.