Observations on the Tube-Dwelling Diatom Navicula Tripunctata var. Schizonemoides (V.H.) Patr. Using Light and Electron Microscopy

The valve morphology of specimens from four different collections, each identified as Navicla tripunctata var. schizonemoides (V.H.) Patr., was examined by light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy revealed little variation between populations. Variability in the valve shape and striae arrangement within a population, however, was observed. Observations by electron microscopy revealed structures common to other lineolate Navicula and pennate diatoms. The continued use of electron microscopy as a supplement to light microscopy for proper interpretation of a diatom\u27s valve morphology is stressed. Notes on the ecology of this taxon are made where appropriate