HANTZSCHIA DOIGIANA, A NEW TAXON OF BRACKISH-MARINE DIATOM FROM NEW ZEALAND COASTAL WATERS

Abstract

Hantzschia doigiana sp. nov. is described from coastal brackish-marine habitats in North bland and South Island, New Zealand. This new species co-exists in the sampled sites with a somewhat similar taxon, Hantzschia virgata var. leptocephala Østrup. Specimens of H. doigiana can be distinguished by their protracted beaks and truncate valve morphology. These features are considered to be unusual in the subgenus Hantzschia. The structure and ultrastructure of valves and frustules of H. doigiana from several sites have been examined by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results are presented below, together with a site distribution map.