Cosmarium hornavanense var. hornavanense. Notice relatively large cell dimensions and semicells with truncate-pyramidal, coarsely granulate outline.
Cell dimensions (L x B): 85 x 65 µm


SEM picture of C. hornavanense var. dubovianum, showing cell wall ornamentation in detail.
Cell dimensions (L x B): 76 x 56 µm.

C. hornavanense var. janoviense, characterized by a slightly produced apex of the semicells.
Cell dimensions (L x B): 76 x 56 µm.

Empty cell of C. hornavanense var. janoviense showing a transversal band of supraisthmial granules as well.



 


Desmid of the Month
September 2025

Cosmarium hornavanense


Cosmarium hornavanense should be compared with Cosmarium obtusatum (desmid of February 2017), a species with a similar cell outline and cell wall sculpturing. However, cells of C. hornavanense are larger and ornamentation is more pronounced. Usually, a number of short, longitudinal series of granules just above the isthmus may be observed, a feature wanting in C. obtusatum. Within the species C. hornavanense a number of varieties and formae have been described, some of them possibly representing separate species. From the Netherlands, particularly var. dubovianum* is known, to be encountered in various slightly acidic, mesotrophic habitats.

* Originally described as a separate species: C. dubovianum Lütkemüller

Empty cell of C. hornavanense var. hornavanense showing both intramarginal and supraisthmial series of granules.

C. hornavanense var. dubovianum. Notice slightly lower dimensions (as compared to the nominate variety) and more undulate (rather than granulate) semicell outline.
Cell dimensions: (L x B): 75 x 58 µm.

Empty cell of C. hornavanense var. dubovianum. Notice transversal band of supraisthmial granules.