A new species of Hippodonta Lange-Bertalot, Metzeltin & Witkowski (Bacillariophyceae, Naviculales) from the Western Ghats, India

Abstract

A new species belonging to the genus Hippodonta is described, Hippodonta mudumalaiensis, from Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu, India. This paper analysed a detailed morphology and ultrastructure of H. mudumalaiensis based on LM and SEM observations and compared it with similar species within the genus. The new species belongs to group two of Hippodonta, with the characteristic features of narrow lanceolate valve outline, protracted to broadly rounded apices and rhombic to panduriform central area. The described species is our prime effort to report genus Hippodonta from India, aiding in microbial biodiversity assessment of the country. Additionally, Hippodonta of the Indian Subcontinent is also discussed.