Two New Species of the Genus Diderma (Physarales, Didymiaceae) in China with an Addition to the Distribution

Author: mycolabadmin
7/23/2024
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Summary

Scientists discovered two previously unknown species of slime molds (Diderma shaanxiense and Diderma clavatocolumellum) in China during biodiversity surveys. Using both microscopic observation and genetic analysis, they confirmed these are distinct species with unique characteristics. They also documented where two other known species were found in China for the first time. This research helps scientists better understand the diversity of slime molds in terrestrial ecosystems.

Background

Myxomycetes are an important component of terrestrial ecosystems. The genus Diderma, established in 1794, is characterized by the absence of lime knots in capillitium and dark spores. Currently, 87 species of Diderma have been identified worldwide, with 30 species recorded in China.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the species diversity of Diderma in China through biodiversity surveys conducted from 1985-2021 across multiple provinces. The research combined morphological features with multigene phylogenetic analyses to identify new species and document new provincial records.

Results

Two new species were identified: Diderma shaanxiense sp. nov. and D. clavatocolumellum sp. nov., both supported by phylogenetic analyses with distinct morphological features. Additionally, D. radiatum and D. globosum were newly recorded in Henan Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region respectively.

Conclusion

This study expands the known species diversity of Diderma in China and demonstrates the importance of combining morphological and molecular approaches for accurate species identification. The findings provide comprehensive descriptions and phylogenetic positioning of new species, contributing to better understanding of myxomycete taxonomy.

Published in:Journal of Fungi,
Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
Source: PMID: 39194840, DOI: 10.3390/jof10080514