Silica-scaled chrysophytes from Mt. Sinbul wetland in South Korea

A study on silica-scaled chrysophytes (Chrysophyceae and Synurophyceae) from Mt. Sinbul alpine wetland, South Korea was performed from January 2018 to March 2020 using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found a total of 19 taxa of silica-scaled chrysophytes; Mallomonas (13); Synura (3); Chromophysomonas (1); Chrysosphaerella (1); and Paraphysomonas (1), of which six taxa, including two new species (Mallomonas dimorphus sp. nov. and Mallomonas alpestris sp. nov.), were reported for the first time in Korea. All the species are illustrated with SEM micrographs and briefly described with regard to their taxonomy. Two new species were described based on the cell shape, size and ultrastructure of the scales and bristles. Mallomonas dimorphus sp. nov. belongs to the Sectio Heterospinae in that its scales have a flat dome, a reticulated secondary layer and needle shaped bristles. However, this species is distinguished from other taxa in the Sectio by two different patterns of shield ornamentation and a dome ornamentation. Mallomonas alpestris sp. nov. belongs to Series Torquatae (Sectio Torquatae) characterized elongated domed collar scales, domeless body scales and rear scales with a short spine. However, it is different from all other taxa in the Sectio Torquatae as well as Series Torquatae by shield ornamentation of the body and rear scales with evenly spaced transverse ribs and papillae. KCI Citation Count: 0