Original paper
Occurrence of Ingoldian hyphomycetes in Atlantic Forest streams of Espírito Santo (SE Brazil)
Fiuza, Patricia Oliveira; Medeiros, Adriana Oliveira; Moretti, Marcelo da Silva; Barreto, Gisele Gomes; Penha, Lyandra Oliveira da
104 references
published online: Jan 20, 2026
manuscript accepted: Dec 22, 2025
manuscript revision requested: Aug 19, 2025
manuscript received: Mar 18, 2025
Abstract
Ingoldian hyphomycetes have conidia that are either sigmoid or branched, and they are restricted to aquatic environments. These fungi are the primary microorganisms responsible for decomposing submerged leaf litter and facilitating nutrient cycling in these ecosystems. To better understand the occurrence and distribution of this group in the Neotropical region, we evaluated the taxonomic composition of Ingoldian hyphomycetes associated with decomposing leaves in Atlantic Forest streams located in forest fragments and in areas altered by land use in Espírito Santo (SE Brazil). In this study, we provided descriptions, comments, and worldwide geographical distribution for the species found, as well as illustrations and a key of Ingoldian hyphomycetes of the State of Espírito Santo. Leaves of the fast-decomposing species Miconia chartacea and the N-fixing Inga laurina were incubated in the studied streams for colonization by aquatic fungi whose sporulation was induced in the laboratory. We found twelve species of Ingoldian hyphomycetes, distributed in 10 genera and three classes. Among them, we have new records for the Americas (Triramulispora duobinibrachiata), Brazil (Anguillospora gigantea), and Espírito Santo (Filosporella versimorpha, Flagellospora curvula, Lemonniera alabamensis, Pyramidospora quadricellularis, and Triscelophorus deficiens). This study expands the knowledge about the diversity of Ingoldian hyphomycetes in Brazil and contributes to foundations for future studies on the conservation and ecological role of these decomposers in neotropical streams. ORCIDs: POF: 0000-0002-9428-8257/ AOM: 0000-0003-0140-2653/ MSM: 0000-0003-1994-2105/ GGB: 0000-0001-5426-3066/ LOP: 0000-0001-9052-3101
Keywords
Aquatic fungi • microbial decomposers • taxonomy • biodiversity • Neotropical streams