Reinstatement of the diatom genus Spatangidium (Bacillariophyta): the type species S. arachne
In: Phycologia. International Phycological Society: Odense. ISSN 0031-8884; e-ISSN 2330-2968, more
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| Abstract |
Light and scanning electron microscopic observations on the diatom Spatangidium arachne Brébisson (Bacillariophyta) provide information on which the two closely related genera Asteromphalus Ehrenberg and Spatangidium Brébisson can be differentiated. The presence of 1–3 rimoportulae near the central portion of the valve, and an areolae pattern consisting of circles of slightly sunken poroids and surrounded by hyaline areas, are considered sufficient evidence to warrant separation of Spatangidium from Asteromphalus. Spatangidium arachne shows great variability in shape, size and development of ray holes and rimoportulae. The taxonomy and distribution of S. arachne is described and an emended description of the genus Spatangidium is given. A possible relationship between S. arachne and two poorly known species of Asteromphalus is suggested. |
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