Nupela major sp. nov., a new diatom species from Maolan Nature Reserve, central-south of China

Abstract

Nupela major sp. nov., a new species of the diatom genus Nupela, is described from Maolan Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, China. Observations were made using light and scanning electron microscopy documenting the size, shape and ultrastructure of the new species. Valves of the monoraphid frustules are elliptical-lanceolate with more or less cuneate, subtlety protracted ends. The raphe valve has a linear-lanceolate axial area and an irregularly-shaped central area. Striae appear intermittent or disrupted. The rapheless valve has a linear-lanceolate axial area widening in the center to form an asymmetrical central area that can in some specimens reach to the valve margin. The rapheless valve has a contoured valve face, with deep indentations in the axial area. The species is assigned to Nupela by virtue of its external occlusions on the areolae, and compared with similar species in the genus. The new species is found on stones beneath a waterfall and associated with a moss community.