genus of zooflagellate protozoan of the order Kinetoplastida. Crithidia is a parasite of invertebrates, living mainly in the intestines of arthropods, usually insects. It passes from host to host encysted in feces. Crithidia is polymorphic, but its characteristic form, which also is assumed temporarily by certain related genera, is fusiform (spindle shaped). It also has a short undulating membrane bordered by an anteriorly extending flagellum.