Three new species of Ulnaria (Kutzing) Compere (Bacillariophyta) from China, with reference to the fine structure of their valvocopula

Three new species of Ulnaria (Kutzing) Compere are described based on light and scanning electric microscopy observations. Ulnaria oxybiseriata D.M. Williams & Bing Liu, sp. nov., has linear-lanceolate to lanceolate valves with apiculate and produced ends, biseriate striae, and a central area mostly forming an incomplete fascia surrounded by shortened striae on one side. Ulnaria jinbianensis S. Blanco & Bing Liu, sp. nov., bears linear-lanceolate valves with rostrate to subrostrate ends in larger valves and cuneate ends in smaller valves, uniseriate stria, and a central area forming a rectangular to trapezoid fascia. Ulnaria dongtingensis Bing Liu, sp. nov., possesses a narrow-lanceolate valve outline with produced rostrate to capitate ends, uniseriate stria, and a central area forming almost square fascia. The valvocopula of all three new species bears the same ultrastructure: 1) a complete valvocopula is a closed ring with the same shape as the valve outline, closely attached to the mantle interior surrounding the valve margin; 2) each valvocopula present a row of poroids which bisects the pars interior and exterior; 3) valvocopula with sawtooth-shaped projections attached to the valve over virgae internally; and 4) the valvocopula closed and hyaline at both apices. All three species were found in alkaline freshwater (around pH 8) with moderate conductivity (c. 102-221 mu S/cm).