Sellaphora gologonica G.G. Lai, Ector & C.E. Wetzel, 2018

Sellaphora gologonica G.G. Lai, Ector & C.E. Wetzel sp. nov. ( Figs 3–55 View FIGURES 3–51 View FIGURES 52–59 )

Description: —Light microscopy observations ( Figs 3–46 View FIGURES 3–51 ): Valves are linear-elliptic to linear-lanceolate with rounded ends. Valve dimensions (n=45): length 8.3–13.3 μm, width 3.4–4.2 μm. Central area is large, bow-tie shaped, bordered by irregularly shortened striae. The striae are slightly radial and about 20–24 in 10 μm. The axial area is slightly narrow and linear over most of the valve. The raphe slits are sinuous with enlarged proximal raphe endings. — Scanning electron microscope observations ( Figs 47–55 View FIGURES 3–51 View FIGURES 52–59 ): Externally, the raphe is sinuous and the drop-like proximal raphe endings are slightly deflected to the same side ( Fig. 47 View FIGURES 3–51 ). Distal raphe fissures are strongly bent to the same side of the valve, and extended onto the mantle ( Figs 49–51 View FIGURES 3–51 ). The striae are uniseriate, sometimes with double areolae near the axial area ( Figs 49–50 View FIGURES 3–51 ). At the central area three shorter striae can be present ( Figs 49–51 View FIGURES 3–51 ). Internally, the proximal raphe endings are slightly deflected and the distal raphe fissure ends in an inconspicuous helictoglossa ( Fig. 46 View FIGURES 3–51 ). Each areola is internally occluded by a hymen ( Fig. 47 View FIGURES 3–51 ). A large rounded apical pit is present at both apices ( Fig. 51 View FIGURES 3–51 ); this is usually closed externally.

Type:— ITALY. Nuoro: Su Gologone (Oliena) , 103.7 m a.s.l., 40°17.361’ N, 009°29.772’ E, collection date 21 January 2014 (designated here, holotype: slide no. BR-4504 Botanic Garden Meise, Belgium. Specimen here depicted in Figs 6–7 View FIGURES 3–51 ) GoogleMaps .

Etymology:—The name of the new species S. gologonica refers to the name of the spring system “Su Gologone” from the local hydronym Gol(o)gone = big whirlpool or siphon.