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Fragilaria mesolepta differs from F. subconstricta, F. tenuistriata, and F. capucina by the shape of the apices and the shape of the center of the valves. The apices of F. mesolepta are rostrate to subcapitate, while the apices are broadly rounded in F. subconstricta and rostrate in F. tenuistriata. Valves of F. mesolepta are constricted in the center, while the other taxa are nearly linear.

LM scalebar = 10 µm
Fragilaria mesolepta LM2 Fragilaria mesolepta LM3 Fragilaria mesolepta LM3 Fragilaria mesolepta LM5 Fragilaria mesolepta LM6 Fragilaria mesolepta LM1 Fragilaria mesolepta LM7
Length Range
13-44 µm
Width Range
2-3.5 µm
Striae in 10 µm
13-17

Also compare to

Fragilaria subconstricta

Østrup

Fragilaria tenuistriata

Østrup

Fragilaria capucina

Desm.