Luffisphaera myosurus Belcher & Swale, 1975
Diagnosis: With the characteristics of the genus. Cells spherical (2.1 µm) or oval (2.6 µm x 2.9 µm). Bowl part of scale ca. 0.4 µm x 0.2 µm x 0.15 µm deep, the upper edge subtended by three rows of superimposed rectangular perforations above a zone of irregular mesh. The outer parts of the scales average: 2.4 µm in length (range 2.1-2.9 µm) and are themselves divided into three parts. Nearest the bowl is a waisted perforate area similar to that in L. cucumiformis. Above this, and accounting for about one third of the whole, is a broad, slightly tapering cylinder (0.3-0.4 µm at its widest), with conspicuous transverse to oblique thickened bands, between which lies a fine reticulum with square perforations, usually three rows in each space. It could not be seen whether the transverse bands are separate or form a continuous spiral. Somewhat more than half of the distal part of the scale forms a narrow whip-like €˜tail, which arises abruptly from the top of the cylinder.
Habitat: freshwater, Great-Britain
