Lichenothelia, A New Genus for the Microthelia Aterrima Group

Abstract

AbstractThe new generic name Lichenothelia nom. nov. is introduced for the Microthelia aterrima group which proves to be unrelated to the corticolous mainly nonlichenized fungi generally referred to Microthelia. Two species are accepted, Lichenothelia metzleri (Lahm) comb. nov. and L. scopularia (Nyl.) comb. nov. [syn. M. aterrima (Krempelh. ex Anzi) Zahlbr.], distinguished by the ascospore size and septation, iodine reaction of the hymenial gelatin and ascus walls, and further the shape of the asci and extent of the development of the interascal filaments. The systematic position of the genus is unclear as the ascus structure shows affinities with both the Lecanorales and Dothideales. It is also uncertain whether it really should be regarded as lichenized.