Pinnularia mesolepta (Ehr.) W. Sm.
Length:63

 Width:12

 Striae:11






























Collection 1787

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Authority information

Pinnularia mesolepta (Ehr.) W. Sm., Syn. British Diat., vol. 1, p. 58, pl. 19, fig. 182. 1853 (Patrick and Reimer 1966).

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This image was taken utilizing DIC for the specimen above.


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Valve linear with triundulate margins, the central inflation narrower than the other two. Striae strongly radiate at the center of the valve, convergent at the ends. This species is closely related to Pinnularia biceps. It is distinguished by the distinctly triundulate margins which do not seem to intergrade with the straight margins of P. biceps(Patrick and Reimer 1966).


  • Type Locality
    Labrador, Okak(Patrick and Reimer 1966).

  • Synonyms
    Navicula mesolepta Ehr., Phys. Abh. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, for 1841:419, pl. 4(2), fig 4. 1843(Patrick and Reimer 1966).
    Pinnularia mesolepta var. stauroneiformis (Grun.) Cl., K. Svenska Vet.-Akad. Handl., Ny Foljd, 27(3):76. 1865 (Patrick and Reimer 1966).

  • Ecology
    Prefers fresh water of low mineral content, usually circumneutral to slightly acid. It is found in a wide range of habitats(Patrick and Reimer 1966; Beaver 1981 )

    Size ranges and morphology

  • Length is 30 to 65 micrometers (Patrick and Reimer 1966).
  • Width is 9 to 12 micrometers (Patrick and Reimer 1966).
  • Striae are 10 to 14 in 10 micrometers (Patrick and Reimer 1966).