Description: The diatom genus Planothidium Round and L. Bukhtiyarova includes several morphospecies that are extremely common in freshwaters and along marine coasts, while new species are continuously being described from various habitats and geographic regions. We will review main taxonomic revisions within the genus since its establishment in 1996 and discuss the current state of knowledge of Planothidium diversity and distribution in inland waters of North America.

Target Audience: This presentation will be directed at participants with a specialized interest in diatom systematics and taxonomy. It will be of particular interest to analysts and students working on rivers and lakes of North America. Others, however, from beginners to lay public are welcome to attend.