Playaensis

Spaulding et Kociolek 2002      Category: Symmetrical biraphid
TYPE SPECIES: Playaensis circumfibria Spaulding et Kociolek

Platessa

 

Pleurosira

Image Credit: Sarah Spaulding

CLASS: Bacillariophyceae
  ORDER: Naviculales
    FAMILY:

  1. Raphe bordered on either side by prominent broad longitudinal rib
  2. Valves spathulate with marginal spines
  3. Valves less than 40 µm in length

Frustules of Playaensis are small in size, less than 40 µm in length. Valves are spathulate in shape and the valve margins are ornamented with small, fin-like spines. Striae are uniseriate and punctate. The raphe is bordered on both sides by a longitudinal rib. Internally, this rib is visible as a broad structure. Externally, the surface of valves are ornamented with spherical nodules.

Playaensis is known from northern New Mexico, where two species occur in playa lakes. A species described from Argentina, Navicula toba Maidana & Herbst (1994) appears to belong to Playaensis. Recent reports document additional species present in North America.

Cite This Page:
Spaulding, S., and Edlund, M. (2009). Playaensis. In Diatoms of the United States. Retrieved May 24, 2013, from http://westerndiatoms.colorado.edu/taxa/genus/Playaensis

Contributor: Sarah Spaulding | Mark Edlund - January 2009

Reviewer: Sam Rushforth