Gomphosphenia vallei (Bacillariophyta), a new diatom species from a stream in the Reserve Naturelle Nationale de la Vallee de Chaudefour, Massif Central (France)

A new Gomphosphenia species (Bacillariophyceae) was found during a diatom survey in the Reserve Naturelle Nationale de la Vallee de Chaudefour (RNN VC), in the Massif Central (France). Gomphosphenia vallei sp. nov. is described from stone surfaces in Perouse Stream, Auvergne, France. A detailed description of morphology of G. vallei is presented, based on light and scanning electron microscopy. This new small-sized species is characterized by linear-clavate to elliptical valves. Striae are uniseriate and composed of single slit-like areolae, an axial area linear and narrow and a low number of striae. Gomphosphenia vallei seems to inhabit headwater stream.

Automated summary

A new species of Gomphosphenia was discovered in the diatom survey in the Vault de Chaudefour Nature Reserve in the Massif Central, France. This small-sized species has distinctive characteristics and seems to inhabit headwater streams.