Analysis of the type specimens of Fragilaria alpestris (Bacillariophyta) with description of two new ‘araphid’ species from the sub-Antarctic and Arctic Region

BART VAN DE VIJVER; EDUARDO TUSSET; DAVID M. WILLIAMS; LUC ECTOR

doi:10.11646/phytotaxa.471.1.1

Issue: Vol. 471 No. 1: 10 November 2020

Type: Article

Published: 2020-11-10

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.471.1.1

Page range: 1–15

Abstract views: 40

PDF downloaded: 2

**Analysis of the type specimens of Fragilaria alpestris (Bacillariophyta) with description of two new ‘araphid’ species from the sub-Antarctic and Arctic Region**

BART VAN DE VIJVER⁺⁻
EDUARDO TUSSET⁺⁻
DAVID M. WILLIAMS⁺⁻
LUC ECTOR⁺⁻

Meise Botanic Garden Meise, Research Department, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, Belgium University of Antwerp, Department of Biology-ECOBE, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium

Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Botânica, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil

The Natural History Museum, Department of Life Sciences, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation (ERIN) Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg

Algae Fragilaria morphology biogeography new species

Requires Subscription or Fee PDF (9MB)

Abstract

During a survey of the sub-Antarctic diatom flora, several populations previously identified as Fragilaria alpestris were reanalysed and compared with type material of the latter species. The morphological ultrastructure of the type of F. alpestris, the sub-Antarctic populations and an additional population of F. cf. alpestris from Spitsbergen has been analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy observations. The analysis revealed that Fragilaria alpestris clearly belongs to the genus Fragilaria whereas the sub-Antarctic populations show all morphological features of the genus Staurosira. Comparison with similar taxa worldwide showed that these populations belonged to an unknown taxon that could not be identified using the currently available literature. A new species, Staurosira vandenbusscheana Van de Vijver sp. nov. is therefore described. The F. cf. alpestris population from Spitsbergen forms long, ribbon-like colonies, unlike the type of F. alpestris that never produces band-like colonies. Following the observation of additional morphological differences such as the presence of two rimoportulae and the shape of the linking spines, the Spitsbergen taxon is described as a new species: Fragilaria confusa sp. nov. The three taxa described herein share a number of morphological features. Their specific features are detailed below along with notes on their ecology. A literature survey and an analysis of the records for F. alpestris are given.

References

Agardh, C.A. (1831) Conspectus Criticus Diatomacearum. Part 3. Litteris Berlingianis, Lund, pp. 33–48.Backman, A.L. & Cleve-Euler, A. (1922) Die fossile Diatomaceenflora in Österbotten. Acta Forestalia Fennica 22 (4): 1–73. <a href="https://doi.org/10.14214/aff.7073">https://doi.org/10.14214/aff.7073</a>Carlson, G.W.F. (1913) Süsswasser-Algen aus der Antarktis, Süd-Georgien und den Falkland Inseln. Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der Schwedischen Südpolar-Expedition 1901–1903, unter leitung von Dr. Otto Nordenskjöld. Band 4 (14). Lithographisches Institut des Generalstabs, Stockholm, pp. 1–94.Cejudo-Figueiras, C., Morales, E.A., Wetzel, C.E., Blanco, S., Hoffmann, L. & Ector, L. (2011) Analysis of the type of Fragilaria construens var. subsalina (Bacillariophyceae) and description of two morphologically related taxa from Europe and the United States. Phycologia 50 (1): 67–77. <a href="https://doi.org/10.2216/09-40.1">https://doi.org/10.2216/09-40.1</a>Cleve, P.T. & Möller, J.D. (1879) Diatoms. Part IV, No. 217–276. Esatas Edquists Boktryckeri, Uppsala, pp. 169–216.Cleve-Euler, A. (1953) Die Diatomeen von Schweden und Finnland. Teil III. Monoraphideae, Biraphideae 1. Kongliga Svenska-Vetenskaps Akademiens Handlingar, series 4 5: 1–255.Cox, E.J. & Ross, R. (1981) The striae of pennate diatoms. In: Ross, R. (Ed.) Proceedings of the Sixth Symposium on Recent and Fossil Diatoms. Budapest, September 1-5, 1980. Taxonomy · Morphology · Ecology · Biology. Otto Koeltz, Koenigstein. pp. 267–278.Czarnecki, D.B. (1994) The freshwater diatom culture collection at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa. In: Kociolek, J.P. (Ed.) Proceedings of the 11th International Diatom Symposium, San Francisco, California, 12–17 August 1990. Memoirs of the California Academy of Sciences, Number 17, pp. 155–173.Desmazières, J.B.H.T. (1830) Plantes cryptogames du nord de la France. Ed. 1. nos 451–500. Lille.Ehrenberg, C.G. (1837) Über ein aus fossilen Infusorien bestehendes, 1832 zu Brod verbacknes Bergmehl von den Grenzen Lapplands in Schweden. Bericht über die zur Bekanntmachung geeigneten Verhandlungen der Königl. Preuß. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1837: 43–45. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/andp.18371160116">https://doi.org/10.1002/andp.18371160116</a>Ehrenberg, C.G. (1843a) Mittheilungen über 2 neue asiatische Lager fossiler Infusorien-Erden aus dem russischen Trans-Kaukasien (Grusien) und Sibirien. Bericht über die zur Bekanntmachung geeigneten Verhandlungen der Königlich-Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1843: 43–49.Ehrenberg, C.G. (1843b) Verbreitung und Einfluss des mikroskopischen Lebens in Süd-und Nord-Amerika. Abhandlungen der Königlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1841 (Erster Teil): 291–445.Ehrenberg, C.G. (1854) Mikrogeologie. Einundvierzig Tafeln mit über viertausend grossentheils colorirten Figuren, Gezeichnet vom Verfasser. Leopold Voss, Leipzig, 40 pls.García, M.L., Maidana, N.I., Ector, L. & Morales, E.A. (2017) Staurosira patagonica sp. nov., a new diatom (Bacillariophyta) from southern Argentina, with a discussion on the genus Staurosira Ehrenberg. Nova Hedwigia, Beiheft 146: 103–123. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1127/1438-9134/2017/123">https://doi.org/10.1127/1438-9134/2017/123</a>Gregory, W. (1854) Notice of the new forms and varieties of known forms occurring in the diatomaceous earth of Mull; with remarks on the classification of the Diatomaceae. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science 2: 90–100.Greville, R.K. (1822) A description of two new plants of the order Algae, found in Scotland. Memoirs of the Wernerian Natural History Society 4 (Part 1): 213–217, pl. 8.Grunow, A. (1860) Über neue oder ungenügend gekannte Algen. Erste Folge, Diatomeen, Familie Naviculaceen. Verhandlungen der Kaiserlich-Königlichen Zoologisch-Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien 10: 503–582.Heudre, D., Wetzel, C.E., Moreau, L., Van de Vijver, B. & Ector, L. (2019) On the identity of the rare Fragilaria subconstricta (Fragilariaceae), with Fragilaria species forming ribbon-like colonies shortly reconsidered. Plant Ecology and Evolution 152 (2): 327–339. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2019.1619">https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2019.1619</a>Hofmann, G., Werum, M. & Lange-Bertalot, H. (2011) Diatomeen im Süßwasser-Benthos von Mitteleuropa. Bestimmungsflora Kieselalgen für die ökologische Praxis. Über 700 der häufigsten Arten und ihre Ökologie. pp. [1]–908, 133 pls. Königstein: Koeltz Scientific Books.Hustedt, F. (1925) Bacillariales aus den Salzgewässern bei Oldesloe in Holstein. Mitteilungen der geographischen Gesellschaft und der Naturhistorischen Museums in Lübeck, Zweite Reihe 30: 84–121.Hustedt, F. (1931) Die Kieselalgen Deutschlands, Österreichs und der Schweiz unter Berücksichtigung der übrigen Länder Europas sowie der angrenzenden Meeresgebiete. In: Rabenhorst, L. (ed.) Kryptogamen Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Bd. 7 (Teil 2, Lief. 1). Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft Geest & Portig K.-G., Leipzig, pp. 1–176, figs 543–682.Hustedt, F. (1937) Süßwasserdiatomeen von Island, Spitzbergen und den Färöer-Inseln. Botanisches Archiv 38: 152–207.Hustedt, F. (1957) Die Diatomeenflora des Flußsystems der Weser im Gebiet der Hansestadt Bremen. Denkschrift über den heutigen ökologischen Zustand der Wasserstraßen im bremischen Staatsgebiet auf Grund der Kieselalgen-Flora mit Beziehung auf die Abwasserverhältnisse. Abhandlungen der Naturwissenschaftlichen Verein zu Bremen 34 (3): 181–440.Kawecka, B. & Olech, M. (1993) Diatom communities in the Vanishing and Ornithologist Creek, King George Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica. Hydrobiologia 269–270: 327–333. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00028031">https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00028031</a>Krammer, K. (1992) Pinnularia eine Monographie der europäischen Taxa. Bibliotheca Diatomologica 26: 1–353.Krammer, K. (1997) Die cymbelloiden Diatomeen. Eine Monographie der weltweit bekannten Taxa. Teil 2. Encyonema part., Encyonopsis and Cymbellopsis. Bibliotheca Diatomologica 37: 1–469.Krammer, K. & Lange-Bertalot, H. (1991) Bacillariophyceae 4. Teil: Achnanthaceae. Kritische Ergänzungen zu Navicula (Lineolatae) und Gomphonema. Gesamtliteraturverzeichnis Teil 1–4. In: Ettl, H., Gärtner, G., Gerloff, J., Heynig, H. & Mollenhauer, D. (Eds.) Süßwasserflora von Mitteleuropa. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, 437 pp.Krasske, G. (1932) Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Diatomeenflora der Alpen. Hedwigia 72 (3): 92–134.Krasske, G. (1938) Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Diatomeen-Vegetation von Island und Spitzbergen. Archiv für Hydrobiologie 33: 503–533.Kützing, F.T. (1833a) Synopsis diatomearum oder Versuch einer systematischen Zusammenstellung der Diatomeen. Linnaea 8 (5): 529–620, pls XIII–XIX. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.65634">https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.65634</a>Kützing, F.T. (1833b) Algarum aquae dulcis Germanicarum. Decas I. Collegit Fridericus Traugott Kützing, Societ. Bot. Ratisbon. Sodalis. Halis Saxonum [Halle], in commissis C.A. Schwetschkii et fil, pp. 1–80.Kützing, F.T. (1844) Die Kieselschaligen Bacillarien oder Diatomeen. W. Köhne, Nordhausen, 152 pp. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.64360">https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.64360</a>Kützing, F.T. (1849) Species Algarum. F.A. Brockhaus, Leipzig, 922 pp.Lagerstedt, N.G.W. (1873) Sötvattens-Diatomaceer från Spetsbergen och Beeren Eiland. Bihang till Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps-Akademiens Handlingar 1 (14): 1–52.Lange-Bertalot, H. & Genkal, S.I. (1999) Diatoms from Siberia I. Islands in the Arctic Ocean (Yugorsky-Shar Strait). Diatomeen aus Siberien I. Insel im Arktischen Ozean (Yugorsky-Shar Strait). Iconographia Diatomologica 6: 1–271.Lange-Bertalot, H. & Metzeltin, D. (1996) Oligotrophie-Indikatoren. 800 Taxa repräsentativ für drei diverse Seen-Typen. Kalkreich-Oligodystroph-Schwach gepuffertes Weichwasser [Indicators of oligotrophy. 800 taxa representative of three ecologically distinct lake types. Carbonate buffered–Oligodystrophic-Weakly buffered soft water]. Iconographia Diatomologica 2: 1–390.Lange-Bertalot, H., Külbs, K., Lauser, T., Nörpel-Schempp, M. & Willmann, M. (1996) Dokumentation und Revision der von Georg Krasske beschriebenen Diatomeen-Taxa [Diatom taxa introduced by Georg Krasske. Documentation and revision]. Iconographia Diatomologica 3: 1–358.Lange-Bertalot, H., Hofmann, G., Werum, M. & Cantonati, M. (2017) Freshwater benthic diatoms of Central Europe: over 800 common species used in ecological assessment. English edition with updated taxonomy and added species. Koeltz Botanical Books, Schmitten-Oberreifenberg, 942 pp.Le Cohu, R. (1988) Fragilaria alpestris, Opephora naveana nov. sp. et le complexe Synedra ulna (Bacillariophycées, Araphidinées) ; morphologie et ultrastructure. Cryptogamie Algologie 9 (2): 101–116.Le Cohu, R. (1999) Révision des principales espèces de Fragilariales (Bacillariophyta) des îles Kerguelen. Canadian Journal of Botany 77 (6): 821–834. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1139/b99-035">https://doi.org/10.1139/b99-035</a>Lowe, R.L., Kociolek, P., Johansen, J.R., Van de Vijver, B., Lange-Bertalot, H. & Kopalová, K. (2014) Humidophila gen. nov., a new genus for a group of diatoms (Bacillariophyta) formerly within the genus Diadesmis: species from Hawai’i, including one new species. Diatom Research 29 (4): 351–360. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.2014.889039">https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.2014.889039</a>Mölder, K. & Tynni, R. (1970) Über Finnlands rezente und subfossile Diatomeen IV. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Finland 42: 129–150. <a href="https://doi.org/10.17741/bgsf/42.013">https://doi.org/10.17741/bgsf/42.013</a>Morales, E.A. (2005) Observations of the morphology of some known and new fragilarioid diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) from rivers in the USA. Phycological Research 53 (2): 113–133. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1835.2005.tb00363.x">https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1835.2005.tb00363.x</a>Morales, E.A., Wetzel, C.E., Novais, M.H., Buczkó, K., Morais, M.M. & Ector, L. (2019) Morphological reconsideration of the araphid genus Pseudostaurosira (Bacillariophyceae), a revision of Gedaniella, Popovskayella and Serratifera, and a description of a new Nanofrustulum species. Plant Ecology and Evolution 152 (2): 262–284. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2019.1604">https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2019.1604</a>Nardelli, M.S., Bueno, N.C., Ludwig, T.A.V., Tremarin, P.I. & Bartozek, E.C.R. (2014) Coscinodiscophyceae and Fragilariophyceae (Diatomeae) in the Iguaçu River, Paraná, Brazil. Acta Botanica Brasilica 28 (1): 127–140. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-33062014000100013">https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-33062014000100013</a>Oleksowicz, A.S. & Luścińska, M. (1992) Occurence of algae on tundra soils in Oscar II Land, Spitsbergen. Polish Polar Research 13 (2): 131–147.Østrup, E. (1910) Danske Diatoméer. C.A. Reitzels Boghandel, Kjøbenhavn, 323 pp., 5 pls. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.1044">https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.1044</a>Petersen, J.B. (1938) Fragilaria intermedia–Synedra Vaucheriae? Botaniska Notiser 1938 (1–3): 164–170, fig. 1.Rabenhorst, L. (1853) Die Süsswasser-Diatomaceen (Bacillarien) für Freunde der Mikroskopie. Eduard Kummer, Leipzig, 72 pp., 10 pls. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.8348">https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.8348</a>Rabenhorst, L. (1861) Algen Europa’s, Fortsetzung der Algen Sachsens, Resp. Mittel-Europas. Dec. 5–6. Nos 1041–1060. Dresden.Rioual, P., Flower, R.J., Chu, G., Lu, Y., Zhang, Z., Zhu, B. & Yang, X. (2017) Observations on a fragilarioid diatom found in inter-dune lakes of the Badain Jaran Desert (Inner Mongolia, China), with a discussion on the newly erected genus Williamsella Graeff, Kociolek & Rushforth. Phytotaxa 239 (1): 28–50. <a href="https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.329.1.2">https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.329.1.2</a>Ross, R., Cox, E.J., Karayeva, N.I., Mann, D.G., Paddock, T.B.B., Simonsen, R. & Sims, P.A. (1979) An amended terminology for the siliceous components of the diatom cell. Nova Hedwigia, Beiheft 64: 513–533.Round, F.E. & Bukhtiyarova, L. (1996) Four new genera based on Achnanthes (Achnanthidium) together with a re-definition of Achnanthidium. Diatom Research 11 (2): 345–361. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0269249x.1996.9705389">http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0269249x.1996.9705389</a>Round, F.E., Crawford, R.M. & Mann, D.G. (1990) The diatoms: biology & morphology of the genera. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 747 pp.Round, F.E., Hallsteinsen, H. & Paasche, E. (1999) On a previously controversial “fragilarioid” diatom now placed in a new genus Nanofrustulum. Diatom Research 14 (2): 343–356. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.1999.9705476">https://doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.1999.9705476</a>Schmidt, A. [W.F.] (1875) Atlas der Diatomaceen-kunde. Series I (Heft 3). Commisions-Verlag Von Ludwig Siever’s Buchandlung, Aschersleben, pls 9–12. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.64396">https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.64396</a>Tuji, A. & Williams, D.M. (2006a) Typification of Conferva pectinalis O. F. Müll. (Bacillariophyceae) and the identity of the type of an alleged synonym, Fragilaria capucina Desm. Taxon 55 (1): 193–199. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/25065541">http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/25065541</a>Tuji, A. & Williams, D.M. (2006b). Examination of the type material of Synedra rumpens = Fragilaria rumpens, Bacillariophyceae. Phycological Research 54 (2): 99–103. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1835.2006.00414.x">https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1835.2006.00414.x</a>Tuji, A. & Williams, D.M. (2008). Examination of type material of Fragilaria mesolepta Rabenhorst and two similar, but distinct, taxa. Diatom Research 23 (2): 503–510. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.2008.9705772">https://doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.2008.9705772</a>van der Werff, A. (1955) A new method of concentrating and cleaning diatoms and other organisms. Verhandlungen der internationalen Vereinigung für theoretische und Angewandte Limnologie 12: 276–277. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/03680770.1950.11895297">https://doi.org/10.1080/03680770.1950.11895297</a>Van de Vijver, B. & Beyens L. (1999) Freshwater diatoms from Ile de la Possession (Crozet Archipelago, Subantarctica): an ecological assessment. Polar Biology 22: 178–188. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050408">https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050408</a>Van de Vijver, B. & Beyens, L. (2002) Staurosira jolinae sp. nov. and Staurosira circula sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), two new fragilarioid diatoms from Subantarctica. Nova Hedwigia 75 (3–4): 319–331. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2002/0075-0319">https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2002/0075-0319</a>Van de Vijver, B., Ledeganck, P., Potters, G. & Beyens, L. (1999) Diatom communities from alkaline environments of the Brøgger peninsula, north-west Spitsbergen. Nova Hedwigia 68 (1–2): 93–115. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1127/nova.hedwigia/68/1999/93">https://doi.org/10.1127/nova.hedwigia/68/1999/93</a>Van de Vijver, B., Frenot, Y. & Beyens, L. (2002) Freshwater diatoms from Ile de la Possession (Crozet Archipelago, Subantarctica). Bibliotheca Diatomologica 46: 1–412.Van de Vijver, B., Beyens, L., Vincke, S. & Gremmen, N.J.M. (2004) Moss-inhabiting diatom communities from Heard Island, sub-Antarctic. Polar Biology 27: 532–543. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-004-0629-x">https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-004-0629-x</a>Van de Vijver, B., Gremmen, N. & Smith, V. (2008) Diatom communities from the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands: diversity and distribution patterns. Polar Biology 31 (7): 795–808. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-008-0418-z">https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-008-0418-z</a>Van de Vijver, B., Morales, E.A. & Kopalová, K. (2014) Three new araphid diatoms (Bacillariophyta) from the Maritime Antarctic Region. Phytotaxa 167 (3): 256–266. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.167.3.4">https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.167.3.4</a>Van de Vijver, B., Ector, L., Schuster, T.M. & Walter, J. (2020) Observations on and typification of Synedra gloiophila Grunow (Fragilariaceae, Bacillariophyta) and its transfer to the genus Fragilaria Lyngbye. Notulae Algarum 145: 1–6.Van de Vijver, B., Williams, D.M., Kelly, M., Jarlman, A., Wetzel, C.E. & Ector, L. (submitted) Analysis of some species resembling Fragilaria capucina (Fragilariaceae, Bacillariophyta). Fottea.Van Heurck, H. (1881) Synopsis des Diatomées de Belgique. Atlas. Anvers: Ducaju et Cie, pls XXXI–LXXVII [31–77].Williams, D.M. & Round, F.E. (1986) Revision of the genus Synedra Ehrenb. Diatom Research 1 (2): 313–339. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.1986.9704976">https://doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.1986.9704976</a>Williams, D.M. & Round, F.E. (1987) Revision of the genus Fragilaria. Diatom Research 2 (2): 267–288. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.1987.9705004">https://doi.org/10.1080/0269249X.1987.9705004</a>Williams, D.M. (2019) Spines and homologues in ‘araphid’ diatoms. Plant Ecology and Evolution 152 (2): 150–162. <a href="https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2019.1597">https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2019.1597</a>Witon, E. & Witkowski, A. (2003) Diatom (Bacillariophyceae) flora of early Holocene freshwater sediments from Skalafjord, Faeroe Islands. Journal of Micropalaeontology 22 (2): 183–208. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1144/jm.22.2.183">https://doi.org/10.1144/jm.22.2.183</a>