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This species is most easily confused with G. minuta, which is more widely distributed in North America.

Gomphoneis minuta valves are comparatively smaller (length and width) and more linear in shape.

LM scalebar = 10 µm
Gomphoneis herculeana LM1 Gomphoneis herculeana LM4B Gomphoneis herculeana LM4A Gomphoneis herculeana LM6 Gomphoneis herculeana LM2 Gomphoneis herculeana LM3 Gomphoneis herculeana LM5
Length Range
50-165 µm
Width Range
22-34 µm
Striae in 10 µm
8-12 in the central valve, 12-14 at the headpole, 13-16 at the footpole

Gomphoneis minuta

(J.L.Stone) Kociolek and Stoermer 1988

Minuta 005 Minuta 002 Minuta 001 Minuta 003 Minuta 004
Length Range
20-128 µm
Width Range
14-26 µm
Striae in 10 µm
10-12