Dimorphomyces phloeoporae Thaxt.

MB#215367

Fig. 73G–I

Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 36: 410 (Thaxter 1900, as Dimorphomyces Thleoporae). –

Type: “ On Thleopora corticalis Gz., Paris Museum, No. 297, Santa Anna, Madeira. On inferior surface of abdomen”; FH.

Diagnostic features

Male thalli consisting of a two- or three-celled receptacle supporting a three-celled primary appendage, and 1–2 lateral flask-shaped compound antheridia. Female thalli consisting of an underlying cell I subtending a row of 6–12 cells; the first cell of the series (cell II) supports a three-celled appendage, where the two basal cells are slightly inflated and the distal cell is narrower, darker, and usually disintegrates. Perithecium with a bulging, ± darkened preapical wall cell, beneath the ostiole. [Detailed descriptions: Thaxter 1908; Majewski 1999]

Distribution and hosts

Occurs on Phloeopora (“ Thleopora ” is a misspelling in the protologue) (Col. Staphylinidae Aleocharinae) from Madeira (type), Poland (Majewski 1999) and Sweden (Huggert 2010).

Collections examined from Denmark

On Phloeopora testacea (Mannerheim, 1830) (Col. Staphylinidae Aleocharinae) DENMARK – Nordøstsjaelland (NEZ) • Dyrehaven; 55°47.611′ N, 12°34.153′ E; UB48; 12 Mar. 1922; Høeg Dry0152; Høeg det.; ZMUC C-F-124218 .

Remarks

First record from Denmark. The host is quite common and widespread in Denmark and not difficult to find under dead bark of various trees (mostly deciduous trees), but the fungus is apparently rarely collected. A photo of this species is given here for the first time.