taxonID	type	description	language	source
F30587852F43FFAC15A3F8BB756A24B3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Cells 6 – 8 times longer than wide, broadly fusiform with rounded to slightly truncated poles. chloroplast ribbon-shaped, parietal, with four spiral ribbons that merge at the cell poles, sometimes with slightly reddish or brownish coloration at the ends. Cell dimensions: length 55 – 77.5 μm, width 9.5 – 10.5 μm.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F43FFAC15A3F8BB756A24B3.taxon	materials_examined	Type: — BRAZIL. Bahia: Lençóis, Lat. 12 ° 29 ’ 04 ” S, Long. 41 ° 28 ’ 23 ” W, 15 September 2022, G. J. P. Ramos s / n (Holotype HUESC 26222!). Holotype: — Material numbered (HUESC 26222!) [pro parte], deposited at Herbarium of State University of Santa Cruz, population partially illustrated here (Figs. 1 – 4, 11).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F43FFAC15A3F8BB756A24B3.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology: — puddle; metaphyton, pooled with various Cyperaceae and associated filamentous algae such as Mougeotia and Spirogyra spp.; abiotic water data: pH 4.3, temperature 25.4 ºC, conductivity 14 μS / cm, TDS 7 ppm, ORP 406 mV.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F43FFAC15A3F8BB756A24B3.taxon	etymology	Etymology: — The epithet is due to the four spiral ribbons of the chloroplast.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F43FFAC15A3F8BB756A24B3.taxon	distribution	Distribution: South America: Brazil (present study).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F43FFAC15A3F8BB756A24B3.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis: — Spirotaenia tetrahelica differs from other species of the genus by having fusiform cells with rounded to slightly truncated poles and a chloroplast composed of four spiral ribbons that merge at the cell poles. At first glance, Spirotaenia tetrahelica could be confused with S. diplohelica, another notable Spirotaenia species with chloroplast having more than one parietal ribbon. However, the latter species is distinguished by the presence of only two loosely spiraled ribbons that merge into a reddish-colored cap at both cell poles, and by its smaller dimensions: length 25 – 40 μm, breadth 6 – 8 μm (Coesel & Meesters 2007). Although S. tetrahelica can also have a reddish / brownish-colored cap at the chloroplast ends, in our analyzed population, this pattern was less frequent and notable compared to other species such as S. diplohelica and S. erythrocephala. Furthermore, the chloroplast ribbons in S. tetrahelica are slightly thinner than those of S. diplohelica. In terms of morphology, S. diplohelica can still be mistaken for representatives of Tortitaenia obscura (Ralfs) Brook (1998: 146), primarily due to the presence of various helical ribbons in their chloroplasts. However, Spirotaenia species possess a parietal chloroplast forming one or more spiral ribbons, while Tortitaenia species have an axial chloroplast with multiple spiral ridges.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F40FFAC15A3FC3173C222EA.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: Brazil, Bahia State, municipality of Uruçuca, Serra Grande, Parque Estadual Serra do Conduru, 20 / IV / 2023, 14 ° 29 ’ 36 ” S 39 ° 08 ’ 13 ” W, B. F. Souza (HUESC 26220).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F40FFAC15A3FC3173C222EA.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology: pond; periphyton associated to aquatic macrophytes, including Eleocharis sp.; abiotic variables of water: pH 6.4, temperature 32.4 ºC, conductivity 24 μS / cm, TDS 12 ppm, ORP 177 mV.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F40FFAC15A3FC3173C222EA.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Europe: Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom (Brook & Williamson 2011, Guiry & Guiry 2023); South America: Brazil (present study). Note: Spirotaenia beijerinckii is a species that has only been documented in northern hemisphere countries so far. It typically inhabits oligotrophic and shallow environments characterized by acidic conditions (Coesel & Meesters 2007). Its prominent characteristic is the presence of two small red dots at each end of the chloroplast. This coloration may lead to confusion with S. erythrocephala, which can be distinguished by its more rounded cell poles and a continuously reddish chloroplast end, lacking the two small red dots found in S. beijerinckii.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F40FFAA15A3F9DA7352267C.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: Brazil, Bahia State, municipality of Lençóis, 15 / IX / 2022, 12 ° 30 ’ 31 ” S 41 ° 29 ’ 11 ” W, G. J. P. Ramos et al. (HUESC 26221).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F40FFAA15A3F9DA7352267C.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology: metaphyton, puddle, backwater near Águas Claras waterfall; abiotic water data: pH 4.9, temperature 26.2 ºC, conductivity 10 μS / cm, TDS 0 ppm, ORP 431 mV. Geographic distribution: Europe: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Germany, Romania, Slovakia; United Kingdom (Guiry & Guiry 2023); Africa: Mozambique (Rino 1972); Asia: South Korea (Guiry & Guiry 2023); India (Animica & Palanisamy 2022), Turkey (Akar & Avci 2022); North America: USA (Matthews 2023); South America: Brazil (present study). Note: The primary characteristic of S. erythrocephala is the presence of chloroplast with a wide parietal ribbon that terminate in a reddish portion at the apices. In our analysis, a substantial population was observed, with numerous individuals reproducing through binary division. However, no zygospores of this species were found. In addition to the current record in Brazil, other reports of this species occurring outside of Europe are recent. Notably, Kim et al. (2020) documented its presence in South Korea, Animica & Palanisamy (2022) reported it in India, and Matthews (2023) observed representatives in northeast Washington (USA).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F46FFAA15A3F9C573A6208C.taxon	description	Cells 6 – 8 times longer than broad, with a slight curvature, narrowed towards the rounded poles, chloroplast ribbon-shaped, parietal, that makes 1.5 – 3.5 turns. Cell dimensions: length 15 – 33 μm, breadth 2.5 – 4 μm.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F46FFAA15A3F9C573A6208C.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Europe: Austria, France, Germany, Russian Federation, Ukraine (Guiry & Guiry 2023, Kossinskaja 1952); North America: USA (Prescott et al. 1972). South America: Brazil (Ramos et al. 2017).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F46FFAA15A3F9C573A6208C.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology: plankton, metaphyton; spring water, bromeliad phytotelm.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F46FFAA15A3F9C573A6208C.taxon	discussion	Note: The slightly curvature pattern of the cell is the main morphological feature of this species.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F46FFAA15A3FE19750F23B8.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology: plankton, metaphyton, periphyton; ponds, puddles, wetlands, Sphagnum bogs; oligo-mesotrophic, slightly acidic habitats.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F46FFAA15A3FE19750F23B8.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Europe: Austria, Belarus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom; North America: Canada, Greenland, USA; Central America: Cuba, Guatemala, Panama; Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zaïre, Zambia; Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Russian Federation, Singapore, Thailand; Oceania: Australia, New Zealand (Compère 1977, Fritsch & Rich 1924, Grönblad & Croasdale 1971, Guiry & Guiry 2023, Hancock 1973, Kossinskaja 1952, Rino 1971); South America: Argentina (Yacubson 1960, Tell 1985), Bolivia (Thérézien 1991), Brazil (Förster 1969, Bicudo & Bicudo 1969, Sophia 1991, Taniguchi et al. 1998, Soares et al. 2007, Oliveira et al. 2013, Ramos et al. 2017), Venezuela (Krieger & Bourrelly 1956). Note: Spirotaenia condensata is the most well-known species of the genus Spirotaenia, with numerous records worldwide. Its large size, cylindrical cells outline with broadly rounded apices, and the presence of large twisted ribbons of the chloroplast make this species easily recognizable. These cells are generally linearly paired and enveloped by a sheath of mucilage. Spirotaenia sp. reported by Yacubson (1960: 65, pl. I, fig. 8) from “ Provincia de Córdoba ” (Argentina) corresponds to S. condensata.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F46FFAA15A3FB2D74CF2100.taxon	description	Geographic distribution: Europe: Austria, Britain, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, United Kingdom (Guiry & Guiry 2023); North America: USA (Guiry & Guiry 2023); Asia: South Korea (Guiry & Guiry 2023); South America: Brazil (Ramos et al. 2017).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F46FFAA15A3FB2D74CF2100.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology: plankton, metaphyton; puddles, bromeliad phytotelmata	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F47FFAB15A3FD6D76192309.taxon	description	Geographic distribution: South America: Brazil (Ramos et al. 2017).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F47FFAB15A3FD6D76192309.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology: plankton; bromeliad phytotelmata Note: This species was described a few years ago based on material collected in bromeliad tanks (phytotelm) in Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. To date, this remains the only known record, suggesting a possible endemic status within Brazil. Its thinnest and elongated cylindrical cells are remarkable, making this species easily to be identified within the genus.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F47FFAB15A3FF6574932578.taxon	description	Geographic distribution: Europe: Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russian Federation, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom; North America: USA; Africa: South Africa (Cholnoky 1955), Asia: South Korea; Oceania: Australia and New Zealand (Guiry & Guiry 2023); South America: Argentina (Guarrera & Kuhnemann 1949, Tell 1985), Bolivia (Borge 1906).	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
F30587852F47FFAB15A3FF6574932578.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology: Occurs in both hard- and soft-water situations (Prescott et al. 1972). Note: Spirotaenia minuta has been reported in Bolivia (Borge 1906), but the taxonomic information is limited to cell dimensions (32 – 33 µm in length, 6 µm in width, Borge 1906). Tell (1985) referenced Guarrera & Kuhnemann (1949) for Tierra del Fuego (Argentina), but did not provide detailed information. Therefore, further studies are recommended to confirm the occurrence of this species in the Neotropics.	en	Ramos, Geraldo José Peixoto, Souza, Bruna Fadul De, Ribeiro, Sylvia Maria Moreira Susini, Moura, Carlos Wallace Do Nascimento (2023): New insights into the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirotaenia (Mesotaeniaceae, Streptophyta) in the Neotropics, including the description of S. tetrahelica sp. nov. Phytotaxa 613 (1): 29-38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.613.1.2
