Gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum are crescent- or sausage-shaped, and are usually about 1.5 times the diameter of an RBC in length.  The cytoplasm of the macrogametocytes (female) are usually a darker, deeper blue; the cytoplasm of the microgametocytes (male) is usually more pale.  The red chromatin and pigment is more coarse and concentrated in the macrogametocytes than the microgametocytes.  Sometimes in thin blood smears, the remnants of the host RBC can be seen; this is often referred to as a "Lavernan's bib".

A

A: Gametocytes of P. falciparum.  Figs. 27, 28: Mature macrogametocytes (female); Figs. 29, 30: Mature microgametocytes (male).
Illustration from: Coatney GR, Collins WE, Warren M, Contacos PG. The Primate Malarias. Bethesda: U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare; 1971.

B	C

B, C: Gametocytes of P. falciparum in thick blood smears.

D	E

D: Gametocyte of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear.  Also seen in this image are ring-form trophozoites and an RBC exhibiting basophilic stippling (upper left).
E: Gametocyte of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear.  Also seen in this image are ring-form trophozoites exhibiting Maurer's clefts.

F	G

F, G: Gametocytes of P. falciparum in a thin blood smear.  In these specimens, Lavernan's bibs can be seen.