Cantharomyces papillatus Santam., 2021

Santamaria, Sergi & Pedersen, Jan, 2021, Laboulbeniomycetes (Fungi, Ascomycota) of Denmark, European Journal of Taxonomy 781, pp. 1-425 : 320-322

Cantharomyces papillatus Santam. sp. nov.

MB#840595

Fig. 78

Diagnosis

The most remarkable characteristic refers to the presence of a papilla-like protuberance on the upper-inner corner of the appendage basal cell, which represents the antheridial efferent neck.

Etymology

The species epithet means “bearing a papilla”, and refers to the prominence on the antheridium.

Type material

Holotype DENMARK – Nordøstjylland (NEJ) • Fredrikshavn ; 57°26.910′ N, 10°32.102′ E; NJ96; on Bledius terebrans (Schiødte, 1866) (Col. Staphylinidae Oxytelinae ); Jul.1849; Schiødte Dry0141; Schiødte det.; ZMUC C-F-124208 .

Isotype DENMARK • same data as for holotype; ZMUC C-F-124209 .

Description

Thallus pale yellowish-amber, slightly darker at the perithecial venter. Basal cell of receptacle (I) obconical, longer than broad. Suprabasal cell of receptacle (II) trapezoidal, as long as broad or slightly longer than broad, separated from cell VI by a strongly oblique septum. Cell III longer than cell II, 1.5 times as long as broad.

Primary appendage consisting of several superposed cells and is weakly branched above its suprabasal cell; not exceeding in length the perithecial apex. The basal cell of the primary appendage, which is slightly longer than broad, includes the compound antheridium and several sterile cells. The antheridial cells occupy the area around the upper inner corner of the appendage basal cell, surpassing to some extent the base of the suprabasal cell of the appendage ( Fig. 78D–E ) and giving rise to a papilla-like prominence which represents the antheridial efferent neck ( Fig. 78A–C , arrows).

Perithecial stalk cell (VI) very elongated and strongly narrowing towards the base; abruptly constricted just below the perithecial base. Cells m and VII large, inflated, yet protruding outwards, especially cell VII. The separation of these cells from the perithecial ascogenous cavity is well-marked by constrictions. Perithecium pyriform, with a truncate, flat apex. Sometimes a second perithecium may develop from cell II ( Fig. 78E–F ).

Length from foot to apex of perithecium (121–)165–192 µm. Perithecium (including basal cells) (61–)71– 89 × (24–)27–33 µm. Primary appendage (from primary septum to apex, when undamaged) 69–84 µm. Length of perithecial stalk cell (VI) (28–)40–59 µm.

Thalli were found on the legs and tarsi of the host. Nothing is known about the collecting circumstances of the host.

Remarks

Cantharomyces papillatus sp. nov. belongs to the group of species around C. orientalis , but may be readily recognized by several characteristics, e.g., the shape of the antheridium including a papilla (unknown in any other species), the long, very slender and narrowed cell VI, and the enlarged and inflated cells m and VII.

Cantharomyces orientalis has been reported on Bledius by Santamaria (2003). Cantharomyces bledii Thaxt. ( Thaxter 1890) was described on Bledius from USA, being recorded later from Poland ( Siemaszko & Siemaszko 1932); the record of this species from Spain ( Santamaria 1989) belongs to C. orientalis . The other species described on Bledius is C. occidentalis Thaxt. ( Thaxter 1896) from USA. Both taxa differ from C. papillatus sp. nov. by the above-mentioned characters.

Figures

Fig. 78. Cantharomyces papillatus Santam. sp. nov.A–C. Basal area of appendage in detail with labelling of papilla-like prominence which represents the antheridial efferent neck (arrows). D–F. Mature thalli with labelled cell VII in E. Scale bars: A–C = 20 µm; D–F = 50 µm. Photographs from slides ZMUC C-F-124208 (holotype).