Monoicomyces matthiatis T.Majewski

MB#128602

Fig. 89A–C

Acta Mycologica 25 (1): 49 (Majewski 1990a, as M. mathiatis). –

Type: “ On Platystethus arenarius (Fourcr.) (Col., Staphylinidae): Biala Woda near Szczawnica (Nowy Sacz voiv.), cow feces on pasture near Biala Woda stream, alt. about 640 m, 5.9.1987, leg. T.Majewski (TM.3825 – holotype)”; KRAM. [Poland]

Diagnostic features

Primary appendage two-celled, consisting of a basal inflated cell separated from the elongated apical cell by a darkened, oblique septum (Fig. 88C, arrow). Thallus with only one developed antheridium, which consists of three tiers of cells, the 2 nd including two phialides (Fig. 89B). No secondary appendages from the 3 rd tier are formed. [Detailed descriptions: Majewski 1994b; De Kesel 2010]

Distribution and hosts

Only known from Poland (type) and Belgium (De Kesel 2010), on Platystethus arenarius (Col. Staphylinidae Oxytelinae). The host species is found in cow dung in pastures.

Collections examined from Denmark

On Platystethus arenarius (Geoffroy, 1785) (Col. Staphylinidae Oxytelinae) DENMARK – Lolland, Falster, Møn (LFM) • Jydelejet, Møns Klint; 54°59.171′ N, 12°31.954′ E; UA49; 2 May 2018; JP 1096; JP det.; ZMUC C-F-123613 .

Remarks

First record from Denmark. This is a very interesting species that occurs in company with Monoicomyces invisibilis on the same host. The first tier of paired cells of the antheridium seems to include two inner triangular cells that seem to be phialide initials, but none of the studied thalli show their functionality. This characteristic is not observed in any other species of the genus since these cells only exists in the 2 nd tier and above, not in the 1 st tier. Cell II directly supports the 1 st tier of paired cells in the antheridium (Fig. 89B, t 1) without the presence of any intermediate cell serving as a pedicel. A photograph of this species is given here for the first time.