Four new Luticola taxa (Bacillariophyta) from the South Shetland Islands and James Ross Island (Maritime Antarctic Region)

Abstract

During a revision of the genus Luticola on the South Shetland Islands and James Ross Island, four unknown Luticola species were observed. Based on detailed light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations, the species are described as new to science: Luticola katkae Van de Vijver & Zidarova sp. nov., Luticola vermeulenii Van de Vijver sp. nov., Luticola adelae Van de Vijver & Zidarova sp. nov. and Luticola raynae Zidarova & Van de Vijver sp. nov. Their morphology and taxonomy is discussed comparing each species with similar Luticola taxa. Notes on their ecology are added. Subsequently, the distribution of all Luticola taxa in the subantarctic and Antarctic regions is investigated resulting in a clear separation of the Subantarctic Region, the Maritime Antarctic Region and the Antarctic Continent.