Lichenicolous fungi described from Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands by Carroll W. Dodge (1895–1988)

Abstract

Abstract:The identities of the 12 lichenicolous fungi described as new to science from the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands by Carroll W. Dodge between 1938 and 1968 are reassessed on the basis of the original publications, and where extant the original collections and slides in the Farlow Herbarium and Reference Library (Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA). Typifications are discussed and lectotypes and neotypes designated as necessary. Only one species is accepted in its original placement (Phacopsis usneae) and one had already been transferred to an appropriate genus (Didymella cladoniae to Zwackhiomyces). Six prove to be synonyms of previously described species, and four are combined into other genera here: Arthonia parmeliae (syn. Diplonaevia parmeliae), Carbonea antarctica (syn. Alectoria antarctica), Sphaerellothecium buelliae (syn. Orbicula buelliae), and Weddelomyces gasparriniae (syn. Phaeospora gasparriniae) combs. nov. The generic name Thelidiola is also confirmed as a synonym of Muellerella. In addition, as a result of earlier misinterpretations of Dodge's taxa, two new species are described: Endococcus matzeri, and Zwachkiomyces diederichii spp. nov. Intralichen lichenum is also reported from the Antarctic for the first time. Descriptions and illustrations are included where appropriate.

Austral lichenology: 1690–2008

“…These fungi are very poorly known from the Southern Subpolar islands but, given the significance of lichens in the terrestrial floras of these islands, future studies of their associated fungi are likely to be highly productive. Dodge (1948) and Hawksworth & Iturriaga (2006) record lichenicolous taxa from Macquarie Island and Îsles Crozet, while these organisms are documented from Bouvetøya by Øvstedal & Hawksworth (1986), from Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands by Aptroot & van der Knaap (1993), and from the South Orkney Islands by Etayo & Rosato (2008).…”

Algal and Fungal Diversity in Antarctic Lichens

“…Lichens contain diverse lichen-associated fungi such as lichenicolous, endolichenic, and epilichenic fungi. Lichenicolous fungi, a group of fungi that form obligate associations with lichens as saprotrophs or parasites, have long been recognized by the macro-and microstructures produced on the lichen thallus (Andreev et al 1996;Hawksworth 1975;Hawksworth and Iturriaga 2006;Lawrey and Diederich 2003). More than 1,500 species have been described in the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.…”

Microchemical and molecular investigations reveal Pseudephebe species as cryptic with an environmentally modified morphology

“…The name Alectoria antarctica Dodge & Baker is excluded here as it was based on a specimen of Pseudephebe minuscula infected by a lichenicolous fungus. The lichenicolous fungal element was selected as lectotype for the name by Hawksworth & Iturriaga (2006: 202), who transferred it into Carbonea .…”