The Fucales (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae) of the Island of Pantelleria (Sicily Channel, Mediterranean Sea): a new contribution Author Marletta, Giuliana Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona, Italy g.marletta@univpm.it Author Lombardo, Andrea Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy text Italian Botanist 2023 2023-06-15 15 137 163 http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/italianbotanist.15.103217 journal article http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/italianbotanist.15.103217 2531-4033-15-137 A0ED26AE219752299C11A734C6D0F79E Ericaria crinita (Duby) Molinari & Guiry Fig. 13A-C Cystoseira crinita Duby. Basionym. Cystoseira granulata Schousboe, Fucus crinitus Desfontaines, Carpodesmia crinita (Duby) Orellana & Sanson . Synonyms. Morphology of specimens from Pantelleria. E. crinita is a caespitose species, adhering to the substrate by an irregular discoid holdfast, from which several cylindrical and knotted axes are issued. The apices are protruding and covered by spinose appendages. Primary branches are cylindrical, with a pyramidal habit. Higher order branches are cylindrical, thin, more or less twisted and usually devoid of spines. During the monitoring activities, this species was found fertile. Receptacles are borne on terminal branchlets; they are compact, cylindrical, swollen, single or once branched, usually without spiny appendages. Habitat. This species was observed during snorkelling activities at Martingana and Arenella, in shallow (0.5-3 m) and sheltered habitats. Distribution. This species is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea and Canary Islands ( Blanfune et al. 2022 ). Remarks. This species was found by Giaccone et al. (1972) in several sites of the island. Subsequently, it was not reported by Alongi et al. (2004) . Our record seems to suggest that E. crinita might be in a phase of recovery and expansion on the island. According to Neiva et al. (2022) , this entity is part of the Ericaria crinita complex, which includes samples identified as E. crinita , E. barbatula and E. giacconei . Figure 13. Ericaria crinita A habit B detail of receptacles C detail of prominent apex with spinose appendages.