Taxonomic deflation: molecular evidence places Membranella nitens in taxonomic synonymy with Smithora naiadum (Erythropeltidales, Compsopogonophyceae, Rhodophyta)

Molecular analyses of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene and the psbA gene of Membranella nitens and Smithora naiadum from Pacific North America show that both taxa are genetically identical. The variability of the characters distinguishing these two genera has not been well documented. The generic name Smithora Hollenberg has priority over Membranella Hollenberg & Abbott therefore, M. nitens is placed in taxonomic synonymy as S. naiadum.