On the taxonomical position of Lessardia Saldarriaga et Taylor within the family Podolampadaceae Lindemann (Dinophyceae)

The position of the dinoflagellate Lessardia elongata Saldarriaga et Taylor within the family Podolampadaceae Lindemann (Dinophyceae) is reviewed. Most members of this family are very homogeneous with an overwhelming uniformity not only in plate pattern but also in appearance, distribution and nutrition. Lessar‐dia's plate formula is: In contrast, other members of the family Podolampadaceae have this plate formula: The main differences in the plate pattern are found in the hypotheca. The presence of three antapical plates instead of just one antapical plate should place Lessardia in a different family than the Podolampadaceae. Other differences are discussed here in more detail and the creation of a new family, to contain Lessardia, Lessardiaceae Carbonell‐Moore fam. nov., is proposed.