Lesquereusia minor  Van Oye, 1953*
Basionym: Lesquereusia modesta var. minor Van Oye, 1953
Synonym: Lesqureusia modesta var. minima Van Oye, 1956

Diagnosis: In 1953, P. Van Oye described his variety as follows: “The specimen I found in Beernem, Belgium, corresponds in every respect to the description of Lesquereusia modesta Rhumbler. The structure of the shell, the stout shape—especially of the neck—everything compels us to regard this form as L. modesta. But the dimensions are much smaller than those of L. modesta. The difference is greater than any of the measurements given by the various authors; it does not even come close. The smallest size reported in the literature is 95 µm in length. My specimen, which had an absolutely normal appearance, showed a length of 72 µm and a width of 60 µm.
It seems to me that this difference is sufficient to consider it a var. minor“.

Thomas (1959) wrote: “L. modesta shows minimal sizes that were certainly worth mentioning; nevertheless, it would be necessary for such dimensions to be found in temperate climates, so as not to be influenced by the size reductions caused by the hot, very dry, or conversely very humid conditions characteristic of tropical and equatorial regions. In 1956, Van Oye created a var. minima, which should be combined with the one he described in 1953 under the name var. minor.”

Dimensions: according to Van Oye (1953): Length 72 µm; Width 60 µm.
Decloître (1955) (Venezuela): L = 80 µm.
Thomas (1959): African individuals L = 70–80 µm; W = 62–65 µm; ps. = 15 µm; thickness = 45–50 µm.

Ecology: Freshwater, small pond.

Distribution: Beernem, Belgium.

Remarks: Dubious species. Van Oye mentions only the slightly smaller size compared to L. modesta as his argument for introducing a new variety. His observation is based on the discovery of only a single shell.

References: Van Oye, P. (1953). Faune rhizopodique de l’étang de Beernem. Biologisch Jaarboek, De Sikkel, Antwerpen, 20: 154-204.

Thomas, R., Gauthier-Lièvre, L. (1959). Le genre Lesquereusia Schlumberger 1845 (Rhizopodes testacés). Bull. Soc. d’Hist. Nat. l’Afrique du Nord, 388, 50: 34-86.

*) Taxonomic note: Lesquereusia modesta var. minor Van Oye, 1959 is changed to Lesquereusia minor Van Oye, 1959.
A formal change is not required in this case according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature:
(1) According to Article 45.6.3, as the name was published before 1961 using the abbreviation “var.”, it is deemed to be subspecific rather than infrasubspecific and therefore falls under the rulings for species‑group nominal taxa (Chapter 10).
(2) According to Article 46.1, names established at either species rank (species or subspecies) are simultaneously established at the other rank, with the same author and the same type. The authority therefore remains unchanged.