Paraconiothyrium is a recently established genus within the order Pleosporales. Species from this genus are commonly associated with plants but can also be found in soil samples and be parasitic on fungi. Several isolates of a Paraconiothyrium sp. were obtained from Huperzia selago in Poland. Strains were characterized based on morphological characteristics and molecular data (SSU rDNA, ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, ITS2). Based on its unique morphology and DNA phylogeny, isolates were described as a new species: Paraconiothyrium babiogorense, which represents the first report of a Paraconiothyrium species from fir club moss. Comparison of characters with other Paraconiothyrium species is provided as well as a signature sequence for the new species.

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Many ecological terms are very difficult to define, or to apply to some groups of organisms. In the case of fungi, it is unclear how to speak of individuals, populations and species. Relying on morphological characters often gives ambiguous results. However, in recent years new techniques have been developed, techniques that provide us with robust tools, helpful in recognizing specific groups in nature. This paper aims to give a short overview of how molecular methods are used to delimitate species, individuals and populations in fungi.

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