Morphology and Taxonomy of Marine Benthic Diatoms (16), Genus Luticola (Diadesmidaceae, Naviculales) (Part 4)

Abstract

The fine structure of a benthic diatom Luticola ventriconfusa has been examined using both light and electron microscopy. The following morphological features of this species are first revealed in detail through the present study. The raphe is a complex slit C-shaped in section. The areola is occluded by a hymen with perforations arranged in regular scatter pattern. The mature cingulum consists of four girdle bands, open at one pole, divided into two types: a valvocopula with two rows of areolae, has a crenulated edge (pars interior) fitting on top of valve ribs; three copulae with ligulae are thinner than the valvocopula. This species is distributed over a wide area from Okinawa to Kanto in Japan, and grows especially in the tidal river areas.