Luticola

Luticola is a genus of diatoms belonging to the family Naviculaceae. These single-celled algae are commonly found in freshwater and brackish water environments. Luticola diatoms are characterized by their elongated, often lanceolate frustules (silica cell walls) and the presence of a raphe system, a longitudinal slit used for motility.

The taxonomy of Luticola has undergone revisions, and some species previously classified under other genera, such as Navicula, have been reclassified as Luticola. Morphological characteristics, including the shape of the frustule, the structure of the raphe, and the arrangement of striae (lines on the frustule), are key features used for species identification.

Luticola species play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems as primary producers, contributing to the base of the food web. They are also important indicators of water quality, as their abundance and species composition can be influenced by environmental factors such as nutrient levels, salinity, and pH. Diatom assemblages, including Luticola species, are frequently used in biomonitoring programs to assess the ecological health of aquatic environments. The genus is cosmopolitan, with species found across a range of geographic locations.