Brachysira microcephala, as reported in this website, has wider (up to 7 µm wide) elliptic-lanceolate valves with capitate apices. The narrow, more linear forms of B. microcephala pictured by Wolfe and Kling (2001, figs 19-20) have a wider central area and less attenuated, more bluntly rounded apices. Brachysira procera and B. manfredii have fewer than 31 striae in 10 µm. Brachysira liliana has larger (up to 50 µm long by 7 µm wide), isopolar valves with unprotracted apices.