Luticola jinshaensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta), a new freshwater species from Jinsha River, China

Abstract

A new species, Luticola jinshaensis sp. nov. is described from Xiangjiaba reservoir in Jinsha River, China. Observations on the new species were based on light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Luticola jinshaensis sp. nov. is distinguished from all other species of the genus in having an unusual external areolae structure, where each areola has a cribrum recessed and ornamented with tiny, irregular projections connected with inner wall of areolae raphe. This cribrum is fragile so that the structure may become destroyed by processing of the specimens. A second feature that distinguishes this new taxon is that the deflection of the distal raphe fissures which, in most case, are first deflected towards the same side as the proximal endings and then towards the opposite side and continuing onto the mantle. Occasionally, the external distal raphe fissures are first hooked towards the same side of the proximal endings, then towards the opposite side and, finally, then bent to the same side as the proximal endings. The new species is epilithic and lives in freshwater habitats, notes on its ecology and distribution are added.