Diatoms of North AmericaDiatoms of North America
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Compare Pseudostaurosira microstriata

(Marciniak) Flower 2005

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Pseudostaurosira brevistriata has broader apices and may form colonies linked by spines. However, small specimens of this taxon may be difficult to distinguish.

Pseudostaurosira parasitica is generally larger in length and width and has more capitate to subrostrate valve ends. 

Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica has oval to lanceolate valves without cuneate ends.

Pseudostaurosira parvissima is narrower and more linear in shape.

LM scalebar = 10 µm
Pseudostaurosira microstriata LM3 Pseudostaurosira microstriata LM4 Pseudostaurosira microstriata LM5 Pseudostaurosira microstriata LM6 Pseudostaurosira microstriata LM7
Length Range
8.4-14.1 µm
Width Range
3.2-4.2 µm
Striae in 10 µm
15-19

Pseudostaurosira brevistriata

(Grunow) D.M.Williams and Round 1987

Pseudostaurosira brevistriata LM3 Pseudostaurosira brevistriata LM4 Pseudostaurosira brevistriata LM1 Pseudostaurosira brevistriata LM2 Pseudostaurosira brevistriata LM5
Length Range
10-26 µm
Width Range
3.5-4 µm
Striae in 10 µm
12-15

Pseudostaurosira parasitica

(W.Sm.) E.Morales 0

Pseudostaurosira parasitica LM1 Pseudostaurosira parasitica LM5 Pseudostaurosira parasitica LM3 Pseudostaurosira parasitica LM2 Pseudostaurosira parasitica LM4
Length Range
9-18 µm
Width Range
4.5-5 µm
Striae in 10 µm
19-21

Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica

(Witkowski) E.Morales 2000

Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica LM1 Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica LM4 Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica LM5 Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica LM3 Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica LM2
Length Range
10-14 µm
Width Range
3-4 µm
Striae in 10 µm
12-15

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Pseudostaurosira parvissima

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