Diatoms of North AmericaDiatoms of North America
Return to overview

Guide to Amicula vermiculata

C.Li, Wachnicka, Frankovich and A.Witkowski 2022

Amicula vermiculata guide
  1. Valves small, elliptic (<10 µm)
  2. Central and terminal nodules and raphe are only features visible in LM
  3. Areolae restricted to near valve margin
  4. Exterior areolar occlusions vermiculiform

Cells are small (< 10 µm) and elliptic. In LM, only the raphe and central and terminal nodules are typically the only discernible features of the valve. The marginal ring of areolae, however, may be somewhat discernible on some specimens. SEM is required for definitive genus and species determination. Using SEM, the vermiculate exterior areolar occlusions are diagnostic.