Protaspis Skuja, 1939

Lectotype species: Protaspis glans Skuja

Currently accepted name for the type species: Protaspa glans (Skuja) Cavalier-Smith

Original publication: Skuja, H. (1939). Beitrag zur Algenflora Lettlands II. Acta Horti Botanici Universitatis Latviensis 11/12: 41-169.

Type designated in: Loeblich, A.R. & Loeblich, A.R. (1966). Index to the genera, subgenera, and sections of the Pyrrhophyta. Studies in Tropical Oceanography 3: [i]-x, 1-94, 1 plate.

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Description: Colorless, osmotrophic and phagotrophic cells, 15-40 _ 10-25 _m, with no visible ingestion organelle but rhizopodia produced from a median furrow; cells rigid, ovoid, flattened; no canal or reservoir; 2 unequal flagella, one directed anteriorly, one posteriorly; sparse "paramylon". In 1948 Skuja placed this genus in the Dinophyceae but suggested that it may occupy an intermediate position between dinoflagellates and euglenoids. Ultrastructural studies are needed to establish the affinities of the genus. Freshwater, Latvia and Sweden; all species seen only once. Colorless, osmotrophic and phagotrophic cells, 15-40 _ 10-25 _m, with no visible ingestion organelle but rhizopodia produced from a median furrow; cells rigid, ovoid, flattened; no canal or reservoir; 2 unequal flagella, one directed anteriorly, one posteriorly; sparse "paramylon". In 1948 Skuja placed this genus in the Dinophyceae but suggested that it may occupy an intermediate position between dinoflagellates and euglenoids. Ultrastructural studies are needed to establish the affinities of the genus. Freshwater, Latvia and Sweden; all species seen only once.

Information kindly contributed by G.F. Leedale but may now be outdated.

Taxonomic status: This name is currently regarded as a synonym of Protaspa.

Gender: This genus name is currently treated as feminine.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Howe, A.T., Bass, D., Scoble, J.M., Lewis, R., Vickerman, K., Arndt, H. & Cavalier-Smith, T. (2011). Novel cultured protists identify deep-branching environmental DNA clades of Cercozoa: new genera Tremula, Micrometopion, Minimassisteria, Nudifila, Peregrinia. Protist 166(2): 332-372, 14 figures.

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Contributors
Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in CD format. These AlgaeBase descriptions are now being continually updated, and each current contributor is identified above. The PSA and AlgaeBase warmly acknowledge the generosity of all past and present contributors and particularly the work of Dr Parker.

Descriptions of chrysophyte genera were subsequently published in J. Kristiansen & H.R. Preisig (eds.). 2001. Encyclopedia of Chrysophyte Genera. Bibliotheca Phycologica 110: 1-260.

Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=44998

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 21 February 2024. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 16 April 2024