Arcella peruviana sp nov (Amoebozoa: Arcellinida, Arcellidae), a new species from a tropical peatland in Amazonia

作者：Reczuga Monika K^*; Swindles Graeme T; Grewling Lukasz; Lamentowicz Mariusz

来源：European Journal of Protistology, 2015, 51(5): 437-449.

DOI：10.1016/j.ejop.2015.01.002

• Microbial diversity
• Peatlands
• Protist distribution
• Rainforest
• Testate amoebae
• Tropics

There has only been one study on the ecology of testate amoebae from Amazonian peatlands, despite Amazonia being a biodiversity hotspot of global importance. During analysis of litter samples from Aucayacu peatland, western (Peruvian) Amazonia, we discovered a testate amoeba with a distinct morphology unlike any other species reported previously. We describe a new species, Arcella peruviana, based on its distinct morphology, compare it to morphologically similar species and provide information about its ecology. This new species is characterised by a distinct crucifoini aperture (diameter ranges between 12 and 17 mu m) which is slightly invaginated. The test is small (height 43-57 mu m) and polygonal in cross-section. Our discovery suggests the existence of an unknown diversity of testate amoebae in Amazonia. The absence of the new Arcella species in more intensively-sampled regions supports the view that protists have restricted distributions.

• 出版日期2015-10