Abstract
Mucidosphaerium sphagnale , a new record for New Zealand, is reported from Awarua Wetland. The genus Mucidosphaerium has recently been separated from the well‐known Dictyosphaerium , a colonial green alga with cells connected by thin, branching stalks, to encompass those forms with near‐spherical adult cells. The previous name for this taxon, Dictyosphaerium sphagnale , is not recorded from New Zealand; however, Mucidosphaerium pulchellum (syn. Dictyosphaerium pulchellum ), which has been reported here many times and is very difficult to distinguish without DNA sequences, may represent previously misidentified instances of M. sphagnale . The M. sphagnale is reported here from a Sphagnum bog, as is typical of its European range, whereas M. pulchellum in New Zealand appears to have been reported exclusively from lakes and rivers. The organism reported here is therefore quite likely a genuine new occurrence. Co‐introduction to New Zealand with foreign Sphagnum is a possibility.