Spatial Patterns in the Distribution and Diversity of Diploneis Genus-Level Diatoms in the Podlasie Springs (North-Eastern Poland)

This research is focused on the presence of the genus Diploneis (Bacillariopyta) in small lowland springs of north-eastern Poland. This study presents a biogeographic overview of the genus from 2 urban and 12 forest springs in the Podlasie area. Seven species were identified, some of which have been described recently and whose distribution is not well-known (D. burgitensis, D. fontium). The presence of D. burgitensis and D. parapetersenii, both rare taxa, are the first recorded for Poland. Their presence was confirmed using both LM and SEM micrographs. The presence of much more frequently noted European species (D. elliptica, D. fontanella, D. krammeri, and D. separanda) was also found. Greater knowledge of the Diploneis genus opens the way towards better and more comprehensive approaches to uncovering biological diversity and biogeographical patterns on the European continent and among the springs. The distribution of all recorded Diploneis species and their habitat preferences are briefly given.