Dioicomyces myrmecophilus T.Majewski

MB#313129

Fig. 66F–I

Acta Mycologica 9 (1): 115 (Majewski 1973a). –

Type: “On Myrmecoxenus subterraneus Chevrl. (Col., Colydiidae): Sadówka, Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki county, in anthill of Formica rufa at edge of wood, … 8.1.1972 (TM. … Nr 913 – holotype), leg. T. Majewski ”; KRAM. [Poland] [Host genus is now Myrmechixenus, and belongs to Col. Tenebrionidae]

Diagnostic features

Female thalli with the perithecium showing an undistinguished neck and a broad, blunt, truncated apex which bears a finger-like, apically curved, sometimes uncinate outgrowth (Fig. 66G, arrow) and a blunt prominence near the perithecial tip (Fig. 66H, arrow). [Detailed descriptions: Majewski 1994b; Santamaria 2002]

Distribution and hosts

Only known from Poland where the species was described on Myrmechixenus subterraneus (Col. Tenebrionidae) a beetle that occurs in nests of Formica Linnaeus, 1758 ants.

Collections examined from Denmark

On Myrmechixenus subterraneus Chevrolat, 1835 (Col. Tenebrionidae) DENMARK – Østjylland (EJ) • Ørnsø; 56°9.446′ N, 9°31.488′ E; NH32; 27 Sep. 1931; Johs. Andersen Dry0042; Johs. Andersen det.; ZMUC C-F-124108 . – Nordøstsjaelland (NEZ) • Grib Skov syd for Store Gribsø; 55°58.486′ N, 12°18.521′ E; UC30; 20 Jul. 2013; JP 124; JP det.; ZMUC C-F-122601 .

Remarks

First record from Denmark and second world record after its description. This well-distinguished and characteristic species appears to be very rare in Denmark and elsewhere. Although the host is quite widespread and common in Denmark, the fungus is probably overlooked, especially when considering the host’s habitat preference.