Athelia termitophila sp. nov. is the teleomorph of the termite ball fungus Fibularhizoctonia sp.

Abstract

A new species of Athelia , A. termitophila , from Japan is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Basidiomes of this species are characterized by having hyphae sometimes with clamp connections at the septa, basidia without clamp connections at the basal septa, and ellipsoid to ovoid basidiospores measuring 4.5–6 × 3–4.5 μm. In culture, mycelia produce pale brown, orange-brown to brown, globose sclerotia measuring 0.24–0.41 mm diam. The sclerotia are distinctly different in shape and size from those of other Athelia species, and are occasionally found inside the woody substrate beneath basidiomes. They are identical in shape and size to those of Fibularhizoctonia sp., also known as termite balls. Phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data revealed that A. termitophila is the teleomorph of Fibularhizoctonia sp. • Athelia termitophila sp. nov . was described and illustrated. • Athelia termitophila produces small, brown, globose sclerotia in cultured mycelia. • Sclerotia of Athelia termitophila were identical to those of Fibularhizoctonia sp. • Athelia termitophila is phylogenetically conspecific with Fibularhizoctonia sp. • Athelia termitophila is a teleomorph of Fibularhizoctonia sp.