Two new genera and six other novelties in Heterochaete sensu lato (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota)

Abstract

The genus Heterochaete (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota) is traditionally defined as comprising resupinate fungal species with sterile spines (hyphal pegs) that are distributed on hymenial surface. Recent DNA-based studies have indicated that Heterochaete is polyphyletic, although the correct taxonomic positions of many species under this genus remains unresolved. In this study, we revised the taxonomic assignments of some representatives of Heterochaete s.l., with special emphasis on neotropical taxa. Based on our results, two new genera, three new species, and three new combinations are proposed. Adustochaete is a new genus comprising two newly described species collected from dry hardwood twigs in the Neotropics; these two species are Adustochaete rava (the genus type) from Brazil and Adustochaete interrupta from Mexico. To date, the second genus, Proterochaete, comprises a single species, Proterochaete adusta comb. nov., which is widely distributed in the temperate Northern hemisphere. In addition, one new species, Tremellochaete cerradensis sp. nov., is described and one new combination, Tremellochaete ciliata comb. nov., is proposed in Tremellochaete, both recorded in Brazil. A neotype is selected for Heterochaetella ochracea, and this species was moved to Eichleriella based on morphological evidence and DNA analyses.