Discovery of a new photosynthetic euglenoid in Poland: Euglena mazurica sp. nov. (Euglenales, Euglenaceae)

Abstract

Herein we describe a new photosynthetic euglenoid species found in Poland - Euglena mazurica. A large population exists in a small, eutrophic body of water located in a pasture near Mikołajki town inside the Masurian Landscape Park (covering a part of the Masurian Lake District in Poland). The unique cell shape (corkscrew-like) discerns it well from other previously described euglenoid species with metabolic cells. The new species possesses two plate-like chloroplasts each with a pyrenoid accompanied by two paramylon caps placed on either side of it (diplopyrenoids). On the phylogenetic tree, the new species is situated within the Euglena clade. Though it is a sister branch to three clades – one representing the similar Euglena agilis, characterized by its fusiform cells and two chloroplasts with diplopyrenoids, the two species are clearly morphologically and molecularly distinct.