Diatoms of North AmericaDiatoms of North America
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Guide to Luticola

D.G.Mann in Round, Crawford and D.G.Mann 1990

Luticola Guide
Credit: Sarah Spaulding, Megan Otu
  1. Valve linear-lanceolate to lanceolate with rounded, rostrate or capitate ends
  2. Stigma distinct
  3. Striae punctate
  4. Proximal raphe ends slightly deflected

Valves of Luticola have an expanded central area with a distinct stigma in the central area. The striae are distinctly punctate. Proximal raphe ends are slightly deflected unilaterally. Distal raphe ends are deflected to the same side as the proximal raphe ends. Living cells possess a single chloroplast.

Luticola is a widespread aerophilic genus, typical of soil and moss habitats. It includes the former Navicula mutica Kützing and its allies.