Frankophila biggsii (Bacillariophyceae), a new diatom species from New Zealand

Abstract

A new diatom, Frankophila biggsii, is described from freshwater subaerial wet limestone/ dolomite wall habitats on the South Island of New Zealand. Although the appearance of Frankophila in the light microscope would lead one to assume that this diatom belonged to the genus Staurosira, Staurosirella, or perhaps Pseudostaurosira, the presence of a reduced raphe at the valve apices places it in the genus Frankophila. The morphology and ecology are presented here.

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