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Staurastrum avicula Desmid Species Outer Hebrides

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Phylum: Charophyta   Family: Desmidiaceae

Staurastrum avicula  J. Ralfs 1848

First described and illustrated by Ralfs (1848: 140, pl. 23: 11). West & West (1923: 40) note: “Its uniform granulation and the pair of minute spicules at each angle of the broadly ovate semicells distinguish it.” Later authors include cells with more pronounced spines. These are rather similar to Staurastrum subcruciatum but that species is smaller and broader than long; also, the spines project at a slightly lower angle. Coesel & Meesters (2023: 221) note: “… is a taxonomically complex species that needs a serious revision.”
Cell dimensions: L: 22-45 µm; B: 27-48 µm; Is: 8-11 µm.
A common acidophile, found in moorland bogs and abandoned peat-cuttings.

References: 
Coesel, P.F.M. & Meesters, K.J. (2023 second edition) Desmids of the Lowlands.
Ralfs, J. (1848) The British Desmidieae.
West, W., West, G.S. & Carter, N. (1923) A Monograph of the British Desmidiaceae, Volume 5.

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