Galeripora balari González-Miguéns et Lara, 2021
Diagnosis: Color ranges from transparent to yellow-orange. General test shape is rounded and flattened. The aboral side of the test has a small elevation at the top that gives the test a hat shape; presence of several ridges elevate the test forming a dome and flap borders; the surface does not have pores and presents a granular pattern of irregular shape. The oral side of the test is smooth, covered with an organic matrix that prevents observation of the test building units, with a central aperture. Pores are localized on the brim of the oral side and around the aperture, following a circular pattern and curling slightly outwards to form a small ring or lip. The aperture is evaginated outwards forming a short ring or lip.
Dimensions: According to González-Miguéns et al, (2021): Shell diameter: 73—85 μm; aperture 11—14 μm.
Ecology: Terrestrial. Mosses overhanging from a rock, in dry gypsum.
Geographical distribution: Type locality: Spain, Castilla La Mancha, Cuenca (40°05’N 2°07’W).
Intraspecific variability. The shape and number of ridges on the aboral side of the test can be variable. The number of pores around the aperture is variable. There may be certain deformations in the test that
prevent it from having a perfectly circular morphology.
Diagnosis with closely related species. Galeripora balari can be diagnosed by its specific sequences of the mtDNA markers and by its phylogenetic placement. Differs morphologically from Galeripora arenaria closely related species by (1) morphometric differences; (2) the absence of pores along the edge of the aboral side of the test; and (3) a regular and marked granulation in the top surface of the test.
References: González-Miguéns, R., Soler-Zamora, C., Villar-Depablo, M., Todorov, M., Lara, E., 2021. Multiple convergences in the evolutionary history of the testate amoeba family Arcellidae (Amoebozoa: Arcellinida: Sphaerothecina): when the ecology rules the morphology. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society zlab074. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab074