Luticola caubergsii Van de Vijver 2008

Publication Details
Luticola caubergsii Van de Vijver 2008: 455, figs 8-17

Published in: Van de Vijver, B. & Mataloni, G. (2008). New and interesting species in the genus Luticola D.G. Mann (Bacillariophyta) from Deception Island (South Shetland Islands). Phycologia 47(5): 451-467, 104 figs, 1 table.

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Publication date: 2008

Type Species
The type species (holotype) of the genus Luticola is Luticola mutica (Kützing) D.G.Mann.

Status of Name
This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.

Type Information
Type locality: Near Crate Lake, Deception Island, South Shetland Islands; (Van de Vijver & Mataloni 2008: 455) Holotype: Mataloni; 14 February 2002; Dark soil, on steep slope, disturbed by volcanic eruptions c. 150 years ago; typical, slightly acid (pH 6.7) Antarctic mineral soil with low organic matter and nutrient concentrations, built up by loamy sand with a low percentage of coarser paticles; associated species include Stauroneis latistauros, Hantzshia hyperborea, Chamaepinnularia krookiiformis and other species of Luticola; BR; 4112 (Van de Vijver & Mataloni 2008: 455) Notes: Isotypes: PLP-106 (UA), BRM-Zu6/52.

General Environment
This is a freshwater species.

Description
Valves broadly elliptic with almost parallel valve margins and distinctly capitate, broadly rounded ends. Valve margin opposite the stigma slightly convex; opposite margin almost entirely straight. Constriction between the central part of the valve and the apices very distinct and narrower than the valve ends. Valve length 38–46 µm, valve width 14–17 µm. Axial area fairly wide, leaving a distinct linear hyaline zone showing almost no change in width throughout its entire course. Central area forming an almost rectangular to weakly wedge-shaped stauros bordered by several areolae. Several irregularly scattered areolae present in the central area. One, usually rounded but sometimes slightly transapically elongated stigma present, taking an isolated position at the end of an irregular row of areolae. Stigma closer to the valve center than to the valve face margin. Raphe branches straight to very weakly curved. Central raphe endings distinctly hooked in the opposite direction of the stigma-bearing side of the valve. Central endings rather inconspicuous to weakly expanded. Terminal fissures short and slightly curved. Pore-like endings absent. Transapical striae weakly radiate near the valve centre to strongly radiate towards the poles, 14–15 in 10 µm. Striae consisting of two to five rounded areolae terminating in one transapically elongated areola near the valve margin. No size differences observed between the areolae bordering the axial area and the other, rounded, areolae in each stria. Internally, poroids of the valve face usually occluded by hymenes, confluent with the striae, and forming a continuous strip across each stria. Internal stigma opening consisting of a rounded, lipped slit. Distinct central nodule present. Terminal raphe endings forming a very small helictoglossa.

Habitat
See habitat of type. In another soil sample the pH is slightly higher (7.6 instead of 6.7) and the associated diatom flora is somewhat different (Psammothidium germanii, P. manguinii).

Created: 11 November 2008 by G.M. Guiry.

Last updated: 10 January 2017

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