Chamaepinnularia taihangensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), a new diatom species from Taihang Valley, Shanxi province, China

Abstract

A new species was discovered in Taihang Valley, Shanxi province, China. It shared the typical characteristics of the genus Chamaepinnularia, such as chambered striae, vela-covered areolae and small frustules. Valves of Chamaepinnularia taihangensis sp. nov. are linear-lanceolate with capitate apices. Valve margins showed distinct triple curvatures in light microscopy. Axial area and central area narrow, rhombic. The new species was compared with the four related taxa, C. hassiaca, C. justa, C. krookiformis and C. soehrensis. These species differed from the new species in valve outline, valve size, stria density and the shape of the central area. The details of the valves as shown by light and scanning electron microscopy are described. This new species occurs in benthic and epiphyte habitats. We discuss the ecological breadth and systematic position of the genus Chamaepinnularia.