Cocconeis neuquina Frenguelli (Bacillariophyta): emended description, lectotypification, ecology, and geographical distribution

Abstract

In this article, we examine the type material of Cocconeis neuquina Frenguelli from the type locality in Neuquén province and other samples in southern Santa Cruz province (Patagonia, Argentina). Cocconeis neuquina is a small species with an oval-subcircular to broadly elliptical valve outline. The sternum valve is externally convex, striae are radiate and uniseriate, and areolae are rounded towards the mantle. The raphe valve is externally concave, the raphe is straight and filiform, striae are uniseriate, slightly radiate, and the first areola close to the mantle is drop-shaped. With this contribution we aim to clarify the morphology of this species, provide a more detailed description of valve ultrastructure, present its lectotypification and extend its geographical distribution.