2023 Volume 98 Issue 3 Pages 124-133
The fine structure of a benthic diatom Luticola belawanensis Levkov & Metzeltin was examined using light and scanning electron microscopies. The following morphological features of this species are first revealed in detail through the present study. Mature cingulum consisting of four girdle bands, open at one pole, divided in two types: a valvocopula with two rows of areolae, has a crenulated edge (pars interior) fitting on top of valve ribs; three copulae are thinner than valvocopula, possess smooth inner edges and ligulae. Morphological differences between this species and related species are discussed. This species is distributed over a wide area from Okinawa to Kanto in Japan, and grows especially in the tidal river areas.
