Taxon Contributors
Contributors produce comprehensive documentation on diatoms, leading to consistent and correct taxonomy.
Diatoms of North America provides analysts, academics and managers with tools for diatom taxonomy, nomenclature and ecology
Federal, tribal, state and local agencies use Diatoms of North America to monitor water quality and comply with the Clean Water Act
We aim to create a comprehensive diatom flora, accessible to everyone
Diatoms of North America is a collaborative work in progress, growing and changing as science advances.
Become a taxon contributor Learn more
Diatoms of North America is a collaborative work in progress, growing and changing as science advances.
Taxa by Morphology
New to diatoms? Jump into diatom identification using the visual key.
Editorial Review Board
Using diatoms in assessment? Specify the use of Diatoms of North America in contracts and task agreements.
What are Diatoms?
Diatoms are single-celled algae that live nearly everywhere there is water - streams, ponds, lakes, oceans, and even soils.
For practitioners
Taxon
Identification Guide
Genera
Classification information, citations, links and species listings for 184 genera completed to date.
Species
Identification guides, original descriptions, citations, autecological information and more for 1074 species and growing.
We encourage new contributors to submit taxon pages.
This project depends on many people to document the diverse diatom flora of streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, springs, soils, estuaries and coastal zones.
Recent News & Projects
Ecology and Systematics of Diatoms course, 2023
Students in Ecology and Systematics of Diatoms contribute to the Diatoms of North America For a final project, students intensively research a single...
31 May 2023
In memoriam: Eduardo Morales
Eduardo loved the natural world, in all its myriad forms. Flowers, frogs, birds, algae; Eduardo appreciated them all. He especially loved the diatoms...
23 May 2023
FAQ: What are homotypic and heterotypic synonyms?
A homotypic synonym is a name that refers to the same type specimen as another name. Homotypic synonyms are declared through a 'nomenclatural act',...
Diatoms of North America has been developed in part with the generous funding and support of US EPA, USGS, the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research at University of Colorado Boulder and other organizations.
