2025/07/28 by Junxue Hao, Yalu An, Fangru Nan +5 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology #Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases #Protist diversity and phylogeny
paper · pdf · doi:10.3897/phytokeys.260.154552
openalex created_date 2025/07/28 · openalex publication_date 2025/07/28 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
The genus Epipyxis , belonging to the family Dinobryaceae, has been documented to have only sporadic occurrences in freshwater habitats. However, the species diversity of this genus remains largely unexplored due to the scarcity of available molecular sequences. This limitation has significantly hindered a comprehensive understanding of both the species diversity and evolutionary relationships of the genus Epipyxis . In this study, a new species Epipyxis fenheensis sp. nov. was described from Shanxi Province, China, based on detailed morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses. This species was characterized by a tube-like lorica, a spindle protoplast, two heterokont flagella, and oval or elliptic scales. In addition, phylogenetic analysis based on multi-genes (SSU, LSU, and rbc L) indicated that strain SX231009 was closely related to E. pulchra . Given its distinct morphological characteristics and independent phylogenetic position, we propose the designation of this strain as a new species, E. fenheensis sp. nov. The results of this study significantly expand the known diversity of the genus Epipyxis and provide valuable insights into the regional biodiversity and evolutionary history of freshwater chrysophytes.