Galeripora scutelliformis

G. scutelliformis, Norway, 2023)

Galeripora scutelliformis (Playfair, 1918) n.comb. *)
Basionym: Arcella discoides var. scutelliformis Playfair, 1918

Diagnosis: Shell relatively higher than the type, with nicely rounded sides in cross-section. Contour regular, pseudostome circular, relatively large, sometimes with a ring of fine pores. Dorsal side rounded, without undulations. Pseudostomal invagination about half the height of the shell, without pseudopodal tube.

Dimensions: According to Playfair (1918): Shell diameter 44-95 µm; height 15-25 µm; pseudostome diameter 14-34 µm. Deflandre (1928): Length 61-82 µm; height 18-26 µm; pseudostome 17-28 µm.

Ecology: Sphagnum, submerged mosses. Australia, Europe.

G. scutelliformis, after Playfair, 1917 (L) and Ø 89 µm (Netherlands, 2016)

G. scutelliformis, Ø 74 µm (Oppad, Netherlands, 2023)

G. scutelliformis, (Sphagnum, Norway, 2023)

G. scutelliformis, Ø 83 and 89 µm (Netherlands, 2016)

*) Arcella discoides var. scutelliformis Playfair, 1918 changed to Galeripora scutelliformis (Playfair, 1918)

Note: No new name needs to be established in this case under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Because the name was published before 1961 using the abbreviation var., it is deemed subspecific under Article 45.6.4, unless explicitly proposed as infrasubspecific. As a species-group name, it is simultaneously established at both species and subspecies rank under the Principle of Coordination (Art. 46.1), with the same author, date, and name-bearing type. Accordingly, when treated at species rank, the correct name is Galeripora scutelliformis (Playfair, 1917).

Ferry Siemensma, created February 23, 2019; last modified April 30, 2026