Micrasterias crux-melitensis

Ralfs, 1848

Most likely ID: n.a.

 

Synonym: Micrasterias crux-melitensis f. typica, Micrasterias crux-melitensis f. superflua, Croasdale null, Euastrum crux-melitensis, Micrasterias crux-melitensis var. superflua, Helierella crux-melitensis, Micrasterias crux-melitensis f. janejra

 

Sampling location: Simmelried, Bussenried

 

Phylogenetic tree: Micrasterias crux-melitensis

 

Diagnosis: 

  • outline elliptical to elongated hexangular
  • cells slightly longer than wide
  • length 90–120 µm, width 80–120 µm
  • semi-cells 5-lobed
  • polar lobes extends lateral lobes
  • apiced saddle-shaped
  • deeply constricted by an open sinus
  • cell wall delicately punctate
Micrasterias-crux-melitensis
Micrasterias crux-melitensis

I find Micrasterias crux-melitensis more frequently at the sampling sites in my area. The specimens are either on the top layer of mud or as growth on aquatic plants.


Micrasterias crux-melitensis can be easily recognized by the two apical lobes, which surpass the lateral lobes and are separated from them by wide, V-shaped notches. The sinus, which separates both semi-cells, is also widely open.

Micrasterias-crux-melitensis

Fig. 1 a-b: Micrasterias crux-melitensis. L = 129 µm. Two focal planes of a slightly squashed specimen. Obj. 60 X.

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