Kelleromyxa, a new generic name for Licea fimicola (Myxomycetes)

Abstract

A new generic name, Kelleromyxa, is proposed for Licea fimicola. The genus differs from Licea sensu stricto in having a true capillitium consisting of short, unbranched threads and occasional longer branched threads. Peridium, capillitium and spores were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Calcium was detected in the peridium using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Re-evaluation of the type specimen indicates aberrant development of sporangia that contributed to inaccurate later species descriptions. A revised description based on many collections that typically produce constant morphological characters, including spores with unique markings, is provided. Kelleromyxa fimicola may have affinities with the order Physarales. It apparently is restricted to dung of herbivorous animals and the greatly and evenly thickened spore wall may be an adaptation to passage through the intestinal tract of herbivores. This study is based on a large number of laboratory moist chamber cultures using cow dung and agar cultures where phaneroplasmodia were observed migrating, growing and sporulating. Attempts to germinate spores failed.