Bibliographic Detail
Witkowski, J. & Harwood, D.M., 2010
Reference:
Witkowski, J. & Harwood, D.M. (2010). Blochia and Nikolaevia: new Cretaceous diatom genera related to Stellarima Hasle & Sims. Diatom Research 25(2): 445-458.
Abstract:
Two new genera of fossil diatoms, Blochia gen. nov. and Nikolaevia gen. nov., are proposed from Kanguk Formation (Upper Cretaceous) outcrops on Devon Island, Canadian Arctic margin. Both genera display morphological features suggesting a relationship with Stellarima Hasle & Sims. Nikolaevia is unusual in having an external opening of the rimoportula in the form of an arcuate canal. Blochia is a genus of large diatoms that are ornamented with spines, and bear a centrally positioned rimoportula with a prominent external tube. Inferred vegetative and resting stages are presented for Nikolaevia symbolica sp. nov., while Blochia magna sp. nov. is considered a resting spore. Observations summarized in the present paper further document the diversity of the Stellarimaceae in one of the oldest available fossil localities providing well-preserved material.
