Coprophilous Species Research Articles

Coprophilous fungi of Daloa city: New species for the fungal flora of Côte d'Ivoire

Objective: The objective of this work is to assess the diversity of coprophilous species growing on cow dung in Daloa locality. Methodologies and results: The study was conducted in Daloa city. This locality is located in a forest area, with a tropical climate favorable to the development of fungi. Several dried samples of cow dung were collected during field trips in the city. Coprophilous species growing on cow dung were collected in the field. In the laboratory, the dung samples were moistened and placed in a humid chamber, in the dark and at a temperature of 28ºC. Microscopic and macroscopic observations were made on the fruiting bodies obtained for species identification. Conclusion and application of results: At the end of this study, six (7) coprophilic fungi were identified. Among these species are three (3) Ascomycetes: Ascobolus immersus, Fimetariella microsperma, Coprotus aurora. Three (3) Basidiomycetes were observed: Coprinopsis nivea, Coprinopsis lagopus, Psilocybe coprophila. One (1) Zygomycetes was reported, it is Pilobolus crystallinus. All these species are new to the fungal flora of Côte d'Ivoire.

Changes in the recovery of insects in pitfall traps associated with the age of cow dung bait fresh or frozen at the time of placement.

Pitfall traps baited with cattle dung are commonly used to characterize local assemblages of coprophilous insects. Baits can be made fresh or be prepared in advance and kept frozen until needed. Insect recoveries are expected to decline with the age of the bait and may be affected by the use of fresh vs. frozen baits. To assess the effect of these two factors on insect recoveries, we performed a pitfall trap experiment that was repeated in four trials spanning 2 years and two locations in southern Alberta, Canada. The experimental design allowed us to minimize the potential confounding effect of short-term weather events. For results combined across trials, baits aged >3 days were largely ineffective for attracting coprophilous species. Frozen baits attracted significantly more insects than did fresh dung for the first 3 days after placement in the field with no difference thereafter. Our findings suggest that insect recoveries in dung-baited pitfall traps can be maximized with the use of frozen baits with replacement every 3-4 days.

No bull: dung-dwelling mushrooms show reproductive trait syndromes different from their non-coprophilous allies

The spores of most coprophilous mushrooms require passage through a mammalian gut. Guts and faeces constitute a chemically and microbially aggressive environment. Hence, the spores need to be armed, e.g. by melanisation and thick walls, possibly leading to large spores due to volume constraints. Conversely, litter is a less stressful substrate that may become colonised by mushrooms with less fortified spores. Compared with litter, dung pats are spatially constrained, which limits mycelial growth. Small mycelia can only produce small fruit bodies. Moreover, on quickly perishing faeces, fruiting takes place under fierce competition by microbes and dung-dwelling invertebrates. Therefore, coprophilous mushrooms are forced to mature fast, implying small fruit bodies as well. Competition in spatially less constrained litter substrates can be pronounced but should not lead to quick nutrient depletion as in dung, hence would allow for mushroom assemblages with on average larger fruit bodies. To find evidence for our assumptions, we compiled a database of fruit body and spore sizes of mushroom genera which contain coprophilous species, comprising 633 (including ca. 20% coprophilous) species across 18 genera worldwide. The data set was subjected to a phylogenetically informed statistical analysis. Our hypotheses were confirmed though the selective pressure of the faecal environment appears to be more forceful on spores considering the fact that the mean spore size differences are more pronounced than differences in mean fruit body size. It would be worthwhile to further elucidate this phenomenon and the coprophilous trait syndrome in general with molecular methods.

Interior of saxicolous lichens on different types of rocks as a habitat for microfungal communities in Upper Galilee, Israel

We examined the diversity and composition of fungi from the interior of saxicolous (rock inhabiting) lichens covering basaltic and chalk rocks at the Alma–Har-Ben-Zimra area of Upper Galilee, Israel. We also compared the composition of lichen-associated and soil microfungal communities inhabiting the two contrasting soil types in the area to trace possible sources of formation of endolichenic fungal assemblages. In the course of the study, 39 fungal species were isolated from the interior of 13 lichen species. Species richness of the endolichenic fungal communities was associated, to some extent, with the growth form of lichens, being higher in those lichens with thick, warted, and wrinkled thalli. Species composition of the communities was characterized by the dominance of melanin-containing microfungi with large, multicellular, and thick-walled spores that significantly increased in abundance in the summer. Dominant species were also known as endophytes and phylloplane-inhabiting fungi; at the same time, typical soil-borne species were extremely rare components of the isolated endolichenic communities. Some endolichenic melanized microfungi were comprised by coprophilous species prevailing in some lichen thalli; this observation was probably due to a long period of use of the studied area for cattle grazing. Protective morphological features are important for fungi inhabiting the interior of lichen thalli characterized by limited nutrient sources, low-water availability, and restricted aeration. In addition, endolichenic fungi should resist the activity of various extracellular secondary metabolites produced by their host lichen species.

Usnea jørgenseniana Bystr. & Leśniewska sp. nova Usnea (subgen. Usnea, Parmeliaceae) in Sweden

<p>Usnea jørgenseniana Bystr. & Leśniewska sp. nova, an epixilic species of bushy Usnea (Parmeliaceae) in Sweden, is similar to U. hirta var. minutissima (Mer.) Bystr., but the similarity to U. hirta is apparent. U. jørgenseniana is not a species from the foveatae Mot. section. The lack of soralia and a very small thallus (0.3–2.0 cm) makes it difficult to locate U. jørgenseniana in the section Comosae Mot. It colonizes exceptionally unfavorable climatic conditions, a coprophilous species. Collected by G. Ohrstedt in 1937. Dozens of specimens from one position.</p>

The neurotropic genus Copelandia (Basidiomycota) in western Paraná State, Brazil

In a survey of the agaricoid fungi from the western region of Parana State, south Brazil, 2 species of Copelandia were identified. Copelandia cyanescens is a common and widely distributed coprophilous species with typical bluing reaction. Copelandia mexicana is a rare and poorly known mushroom, lignicolous and not conspicuously bluing, with distinctive macro- and micromorphological features. This is a new record from South America. Both species are described and illustrated in detail, and discussed regarding distribution, taxonomy and nomenclature.

Poronia punctata (L.: Fr.) Rabenh. (Xylariales, Ascomycota) in Poland: a threatened, rare, or overlooked species?

<em>Poronia punctata</em> is regarded as a threatened, rare coprophilous fungus species, especially in Europe. Lately, the fungus has been noted again in Poland after a century of absence. Micro- and macrotraits of <em>P. punctata</em> have been given on the basis of specimens from two collections: the first, contemporary one, found in the field in 2010, and the second and most probably oldest Polish one dating back to the years 1819–1845, from the collections of prof. Michał Szubert, found by us in the Herbarium of the University of Warsaw. The distribution of <em>P. punctata</em> localities within the present boundaries of Poland is presented. The occurrence conditions of <em>P. punctata</em> in Poland, especially the new locality, are characterized. Possible reasons why the species has not been noted within 1905–2009 in Poland are indicated. The threat status of the species according to the IUCN criteria is assessed and the threat category VU is proposed.

New species of Preussia with 8-celled ascospores (Sporormiaceae, Pleosporales, Ascomycota)

The focus of this study is on Preussia sensu lato species with 8-celled ascospores. Two new species, P. alpina and P. octocylindrospora are introduced based on morphological characters and discussed in relation to similar species in the genus. New records are provided from Sporormiella corynespora, S. octomegaspora, P. octomera and P. octonalis. This greatly expands or reduces their geographical distribution ranges, as well as substrate preferences. In addition, a key to the coprophilous species with 8-celled ascospores is provided.

The genus Podospora (Lasiosphaeriaceae, Sordariales) in Brazil

Coprophilous species of Podospora reported from Brazil are discussed. Thirteen species are recorded for the first time in Northeastern Brazil (Pernambuco) on herbivore dung. Podospora appendiculata, P. australis, P. decipiens, P. globosa and P. pleiospora are reported for the first time in Brazil, while P. ostlingospora and P. prethopodalis are reported for the first time from South America. Descriptions, figures and a comparative table are provided, along with an identification key to all known species of the genus in Brazil.

Diversity of coprophilous species of Panaeolus (Psathyrellaceae, Agaricales) from Punjab, India

Kaur A, Atri NS, Kaur M. 2014. Diversity of coprophilous species of Panaeolus (Psathyrellaceae, Agaricales) from Punjab, India. Biodiversitas 15: 115-130. An account of 16 Panaeolus species collected from a variety of coprophilous habitats of Punjab state in India is described and discussed. Out of these, P. alcidis, P. castaneifolius, P. papilionaceus var. parvisporus, P. tropicalis and P. venezolanus are new records for India while P. acuminatus, P. antillarum, P. ater, P. solidipes, and P. sphinctrinus are new reports for north India. Panaeolus subbalteatus and P. cyanescens are new records for Punjab state. A key to the taxa explored is also provided.

An update on the genera Ascobolus and Saccobolus with keys and descriptions of three coprophilous species, new to Italy

An update on the genera Ascobolus and Saccobolus with keys and descriptions of three coprophilous species, new to Italy

The genera Ascobolus and Saccobolus (Ascobolaceae, Pezizales) in Brazil

Coprophilous species of Ascobolus and Saccobolus from Brazil are poorly known. Fourteen species were identified from fresh herbivore dung recently collected in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, and eight exsiccatti sets were revised from the Pe. Camille Torrend (URM) and Dardano de Andrade Lima (IPA) herbaria. Ascobolus elegans and S. beckii are reported for the first time in South America, while Ascobolus americanus and Saccobolus saccoboloides are reported for the first time in Brazil. Saccobolus infestans is neotypified. Information regarding the distribution and substrate preference of these species is presented. Descriptions and plates are provided, along with an identification key to all known species of Ascobolus and Saccobolus in Brazil.

Tetraplodon angustatus (Bryopsida, Splachnaceae) in the Polish Tatra Mts

Abstract The paper gives six new records of the rare coprophilous altimontane moss species Tetraplodon angustatus (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp. from the Polish Tatra Mts in the Western Carpathians. The ecology and current distribution of the species in the Tatras are described.

Fossil beetles as possible evidence for transhumance during the middle and late Holocene in the high mountains of Talysch (Talesh) in NW Iran?

A short sediment core (300 cm) was retrieved from a peaty deposit in the northeastern corner of Lake Neor in NW Iran yielding a 6500-year-old sequence relatively rich in pollen and beetle remains. Beetle assemblages contained a significant amount of coprophagous and coprophilous species all along the core. Pollen spectra suggest an open steppe landscape typical of the modern Irano-Turanian highlands with pollen indicators of agro-pastoral activities and also the proximity of the mesic temperate Hyrcanian forest to the east. Together, insect and pollen evidence, in agreement with the archaeological evidence for NW Iran, suggest that pastoralism was practised in the high elevation surroundings of Neor in Talysch Mountains at least since ca. 6500 years ago. This preliminary study highlights the strong potential of palaeoentomological investigations in furthering our understanding of the history of pastoralism in the Middle East.

An additional update on the genus Chaetomium with descriptions of two coprophilous species, new to Italy

Two Chaetomium species new to Italy, C. brasiliense and C. succineum, are described and an updated key to coprophilous Chaetomium from Italy is provided. All author’s collections of 23 species so far known from dung in Italy are listed. Following the recent publications describing new species, the worldwide key to Chaetomium species is updated.

Diversity of species of the genus Bolbitius (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) collected on dung from Punjab, India

A study of diversity of coprophilous species of Conocybe was carried out in Punjab state of India during the years 2007 to 2011. This research paper represents 22 collections belonging to 16 Conocybe species growing on five diverse dung types. The species include Conocybe albipes, C. apala, C. brachypodii, C. crispa, C. fuscimarginata, C. lenticulospora, C. leucopus, C. magnicapitata, C. microrrhiza var. coprophila var. nov., C. moseri, C. rickenii, C. subpubescens, C. subxerophytica var. subxerophytica, C. subxerophytica var. brunnea, C. uralensis and C. velutipes. For all these taxa, dung types on which they were found growing are mentioned and their distinctive characters are described and compared with similar taxa along with a key for their identification. The taxonomy of ten taxa is discussed along with the drawings of morphological and anatomical features. Conocybe microrrhiza var. coprophila is proposed as a new variety. As many as six taxa, namely C. albipes, C. fuscimarginata, C. lenticulospora, C. leucopus, C. moseri and C. subpubescens are the first time records from India. Conocybe velutipes is the first time record from North India.

Coprophilous myxomycetes: Recent advances and future research directions

Species of myxomycetes are adapted to different ecological niches and occupy different microhabitats. The majority of species have a wide ecological amplitude and may be found on various kinds of substrata. Some species have narrower ecological niches and are restricted to or mainly found on one special kind of substratum. Coprophilous species grow on dung or on a substratum in close contact with dung. The vast majority of records stem from moist chamber cultures on dung from herbivorous mammals, but several species have also been recorded on droppings from birds. A limited number of species can be regarded as truly coprophilous in that they have predominantly or in some cases only been recorded on dung. Some of these species are known from very few collections and their dependence on dung may therefore be difficult to judge. No correlation is absolute and species regarded as coprophilous may sometimes, although rarely, turn up on other types of substrata. Dung is rich in bacteria and nutrients and is a favourable substratum for myxomycetes. Many species normally inhabiting other habitats are occasionally found on dung, and up to now about 114 species have been reported from this kind of substratum, a number that will continue to grow. At least three species, Licea alexopouli, Kelleromyxa fimicola and Trichia brunnea, have thick-walled spores, a possible adaptation to passing through the intestinal tract of a herbivore before germination can take place.

Coprinellus radicellus, a new species with northern distribution

A new coprophilous species, Coprinellus radicellus, is presented and described on the basis of morphological characters and a species phylogeny inferred from ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 and beta-tubulin gene sequences. The species is characterized by lageniform pileo- and caulocystidia, 8- to 11-μm long ellipsoid basidiospores with a central germ-pore, globose cheilocystidia, an often rooting stipe, the lack of pleurocystidia and velar elements. These characters distinguish C. radicellus from all other described species in subsection Setulosi. It comes closest to C. brevisetulosus (Arnolds) Redhead, Vilgalys & Moncalvo and C. pellucidus (P. Karst.) Redhead, Vilgalys & Moncalvo both morphologically and phylogenetically, but is distinct from both. Another five representatives of morphologically recognizable groups of subsection Setulosi were included in the phylogenetic analyses and found were distinct from C. radicellus, both morphologically and phylogenetically. To date, this new species is known only from Scandinavia, which is surprising in view of the uniform geographical distributions of most setulose Coprinellus species. A key to coprophilous taxa of Coprinellus with pileo- and caulocystidia is presented. Three new combinations are proposed.

Fourteen coprophilous species of Psathyrella identified in the Nordic countries using morphology and nuclear rDNA sequence data

Psathyrella species growing on dung or occasionally on dung in the Nordic countries were studied using morphological characters and nu-rDNA sequence data and type collections were examined when available. Fourteen species capable of growing on dung were identified. Descriptions are given of all dung-inhabiting species and to a lesser extent of the species occasionally growing on dung. Three new species are described: Psathyrella fimiseda, P. merdicola, and P. scatophila. P. stercoraria is described as a new species in order to validate the name. A key to the coprophilous species in Europe including the species described by Peck & Smith from North America is provided. The phylogenetic analyses recovered four major supported clades within Psathyrellaceae corresponding to Parasola, Coprinopsis, Lacrymaria/Spadiceae pro parte, and Psathyrella. The status of Coprinellus was ambiguous. The current morphology-based infrageneric classification of Psathyrella was not supported by the phylogenetic analyses and a coprophilous habit has apparently evolved on multiple occasions. Three new combinations are proposed: Parasola conopilus, Coprinopsis marcescibilis, and Coprinopsis pannucioides.

Some coprophilous Psilocybe (Strophariaceae) from Pernambuco State, Northeast Brazil

Coprophilous species Psilocybe argentina, P. pegleriana and P. cubensis are reported for the first time for Northeast Brazil. The last one is a hallucinogenic mushroom. Descriptions, discussions and drawings of the species are provided.