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Issue: Vol. 696 No. 2: 1 Apr. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-04-01
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.696.2.6
Page range: 169-180
Abstract views: 89
PDF downloaded: 7

Mayamaea sardiniensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), a new species from a thermo-mineral spring in Sardinia, Italy

University of Sassari, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning (DADU), via Piandanna 4, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
University of Sassari, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning (DADU), via Piandanna 4, I-07100 Sassari, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Sensing and Modelling unit, Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment group, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
aerophilous diatoms Mediterranean springs new species taxonomy thermal waters Algae

Abstract

Mayamaea sardiniensis sp. nov. is described from periphytic diatom samples collected in a small thermo-mineral spring in Sardinia (Italy), based on a morphological approach. In light and scanning electron microscopy, the species revealed the presence of typical features of the genus Mayamaea, as reported in the original diagnosis, including elliptical to oval valve outline, broadly rounded apices, and uniseriate striae composed of round areolae occluded by external hymenes. Mayamaea sardiniensis shares strong similarities with M. cavernicola and M. petersenii. Differences with these species mainly include shape of the valve, pattern and density of striae. The presence of M. sardiniensis in the type locality seems to be linked to the ecotonal nature of the spring environment.

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How to Cite

Lai, G.G., Padedda, B.M. & Wetzel, C.E. (2025) Mayamaea sardiniensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), a new species from a thermo-mineral spring in Sardinia, Italy. Phytotaxa 696 (2): 169–180. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.696.2.6