Frustulia hengduanensis sp. nov. a new diatom (Bacillariophyceae) from Hengduan Mountains, China

Abstract

We describe Frustulia hengduanensis sp. nov., a new species of Frustulia from the Hengduan Mountains in China, based on morphological examinations using light and scanning electron microscopy. Frustulia hengduanensis is characterized by elliptico-lanceolate to rhomboid valves with slightly undulate margins, narrowly rounded and moderately protracted apices, slightly curved longitudinal ribs and raphe, wavy striae along the length of the valve, and an absence of striae within the central part of the valve, forming a dumbbell-shaped hyaline area, this is the main feature that distinguishes the new species from others in the genus. We compared F. hengduanensis sp. nov. with similar taxa and discussed its biogeographical distribution.