Pseudostaurosira Trainori Guide
Credit: Eduardo Morales
  1. Valves round to slightly elliptical
  2. Axial area lanceolate to linear
  3. Spines solid
  4. Spines aligned with striae

Valves are round to slightly elliptical. The axial area is typically lanceolate, but linear in some specimens. Some specimens may possess a broader axial area, but striae are never restricted to the valve margin. Spines are solid and positioned in line with striae. This taxon is difficult to recognize under the light microscope and identification may not be positive without scanning electron microscopy.