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A novel genus and species within the order Glissmonadida (Cercozoa, Rhizaria), Saccharomycomorphapsychra n. g., n. sp., is described from lichen in the Ny‐Ålesund region (High Arctic) and moss in the Fildes peninsula of King George Island (Maritime Antarctica). Cells were spherical and did not appear to present flagella in organic‐rich Potato Dextrose Agar medium where they were able to feed osmotrophically. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequence demonstrated that Saccharomycomorphapsychra belong to "clade T" within the order Glissmonadida (Cercozoa, Rhizaria). All three investigated strains could grow at 4 °C and had an optimum growth temperature of 12 °C, 20 °C, and 20 °C, while a maximum growth temperature of 20 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C, respectively. In conclusion, we established the phenotypic identity of "clade T," which until now was exclusively detected by environmental sequences, and erect a new family Saccharomycomorphidae for "clade T." Nomenclatural, morphological and ecological aspects of this novel species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]