First records of Tubifera microsperma (Myxomycetes) in continental zone of the Mediterranean region

Abstract

The species Tubifera microsperma, distributed in tropical Asia, Hawaii, Japan, tropical Africa, Central and South America, tropical and temperate North America, and central and north of Europe is reported for the first time in the continental Mediterranean region. The specimens were recorded in two localities of the coast of Spain, on the trunk of Olea europaea and Alnus glutinosa, and confirm the expansion of the species to the Mediterranean region. A detailed description of the European collections, as well as comments on morphology, distribution and ecology are provided. Illustrations, with macro, micro and SEM photographs, of the Spanish collections, are also included. Documented climate changes have a negative effect on the distribution of some species, but provide new opportunities for others like T. microsperma, that slowly expand their area of distribution.