Galeripora sitiens González-Miguéns et al., 2021
Diagnosis: General shell shape is rounded and flattened. The aboral side of the test has several ridges that elevate the test forming a dome and flap borders; the surface does not have pores and presents a granular pattern of regular 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 only around the aperture, following a circular pattern. The aperture is invaginated outwards forming a short ring or lip.
Dimensions: According to González-Miguéns et al. (2021): Shell diameter 86—93 μm; aperture 16—17 μm.
Ecology: Moss on dry slate and quartzite terrestrial.
Geographical distribution: Type locality: Spain, Castilla La Mancha, Almonacid de Toledo (39°44’N 3°51’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 sitiens can be diagnosed by its specific sequences of the mtDNA markers and by its phylogenetic placement. Differs morphologically from Galeripora arenaria and 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 granulation of the top surface of the test.
Diagnosis with closely related species. Galeripora sitiens 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