Analysis of the type material of Planothidium delicatulum (Bacillariophyta) with the description of two new Planothidium species from the sub-Antarctic Region

Abstract

During a survey of the freshwater diatom flora on the sub-Antarctic islands of the southern Indian Ocean, two new Planothidium species were observed, showing some resemblance to Planothidium delicatulum. Therefore, the type material of Achnanthidium delicatulum Kutzing was analysed, a common species in northern hemisphere waterbodies that was later transferred to the genus Planothidium. Additionally the material of Types du Synopsis des Diatomees de Belgique n° 234, designated in 1980 as neotype for Achnanthes delicatula was investigated. This analysis showed that the population in Types n° 234 is not conspecific with Achnanthidium delicatulum but in fact is a population of Planothidium galaicum. Both Planothidium species in the investigated Antarctic material are described as new to science: P. lilianeanum Van de Vijver sp. nov. and P. australodelicatulum Van de Vijver, C.E.Wetzel et Ector sp. nov. The new species can be differentiated based on differences in valve outline, presence of ridges and silica outgrowths on the rapheless valve, the structure of the raphe and the shape and size of the central area. Notes on the ecology and distribution of the new Antarctic species are added. Achnanthidium delicatulum is formally lectotypified.