Distribution of Badhamiopsis and Badhamia (Physaraceae, Myxomycetes) in brazilian Biomes.

The family Physaraceae (Physarales, Myxomycetes) is represented in Brazil by eight genera and 75 species. Based on data obtained from the GBIF, SpeciesLink, Flora and Funga do Brasil platforms, collections from the IPA and URM Herbaria and material collected since 1960 deposited in the UFP Herbarium, the microhabitats and distribution of Badhamiopsis (1sp.) and Badhamia (10 spp.) in Brazilian biomes are commented. An identification key for the species and the first report of B. melanospora from the state of Paraíba, B. panicea from the state of Paraná and B. ovispora from Brazil are presented.

Diachea mitchellii: A new myxomycete species from high elevation forests in the tropical Andes of Peru.

A new species of the genus Diachea (order Physarales, Myxomycetes, Amoebozoa) is described from Peru. Relevant details on spore germination, as well as morphological and phylogenetic data, are provided. At first glance, the new species shares some morphological similarities with both D. leucopodia, type of the genus, and D. koazei, but it strikingly differs from all other species of its genus by combining a short dark stalk, with a reticulate columella, and clustered spores. Moreover, it seems to be the only species of Diachea exclusively associated with Polylepis tropical forests at elevations above 3500 m. Apart from a comprehensive morphological study of 31 specimens, we here provide phylogenetic evidence to confirm the inclusion of this species in the genus Diachea. Specifically, our phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear 18S rDNA (18S), mitochondrial 17S rDNA (17S), and elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α) genes show that the new species is related to D. leucopodia and D. bulbillosa. The remarkably different morphological characters distinguishing the new Diachea from all other species of its genus, along with its particular ecological preferences and geographic distribution, indicate that it is a distinct entity deserving recognition as an independent species.

New species and new record of Neotropical Metatrichia Coquillett (Diptera: Scenopinidae).

Two species of the genus Metatrichia Coquillett, from South America, are described as new to science: Metatrichia barbata sp. nov. and Metatrichia brunneipennis sp. nov. Their relationships with related species are discussed. Metatrichia bulbosa (Osten Sacken, 1877) is registered to Brazil for the first time. A key to New World species of Metatrichia is presented.

Didymium pseudonivicola: A new myxomycete from the austral Andes emerges from broad-scale morphological and molecular analyses of D. nivicola collections.

A new nivicolous myxomycete is described as a result of a comprehensive study of Didymium nivicola collections from the entire range of its occurrence. Statistical analysis of 12 morphological characters, phylogenetic analyses of nuc 18S rDNA and elongation factor 1-alpha gene (EF1A), and a delimitation method (automatic barcode gap diversity) have been applied to corroborate the identity of the new species. A preliminary morphological analysis of D. nivicola revealed high variability of South American populations where four types of spore ornamentation were noted. However, results of molecular study and statistical analysis of morphological characters did not support recognition of these four forms but the distinction of two morphotypes. Consequently, two species have been recognized: D. nivicola and the newly proposed D. pseudonivicola. The new species can be distinguished from D. nivicola by distinctly larger and mostly plasmodiocarpic sporophores, which are scattered to gregarious, paler spores, and by the paler, more delicate and more elastic capillitium. Spore ornamentation of D. pseudonivicola is uniform and can be described as distinctly spiny (pilate under scanning electron microscope [SEM]), whereas those of D. nivicola is more variable, where spines (pilae under SEM) are delicate, distinct, or conspicuous. Additionally, whereas D. nivicola is a species distributed worldwide, D. pseudonivicola occurs only in the austral Andes of Argentina and Chile.

Nivicolous Trichiales from the austral Andes: unexpected diversity including two new species.

Nivicolous myxomycetes are a group of amoebozoan protists dependent on long-lasting snow cover worldwide. Recent fine-scale analysis of species diversity from the austral Andes revealed high intraspecific variability of most taxa, suggesting independent evolutionary processes and significant differences in species compositions between the Northern (NH) and Southern (SH) Hemispheres. The present study is the second part of this analysis based on representatives of Trichiales. A total of 173 South American collections were studied based on morphological and molecular data, and 15 taxa have been identified. Two of them, Hemitrichia crassifila and Perichaena patagonica, are proposed as new species confirmed by a phylogeny of Trichiales. However, their affinity to the genera in which they are proposed are not confirmed due to polyphyletic character of all genera of Trichiales. Four species, Dianema subretisporum, Trichia contorta var. karstenii, T. nivicola, and T. sordida, are reported for the first time from the Southern Hemisphere. One species, T. alpina, is new for Argentina. Additionally, we provide the first record of Perichaena megaspora from Chile. Specimen frequency and species diversity of Trichiales found at nivicolous localities in the austral Andes are unexpectedly high, exceeding those of Stemonitidales, the most numerous group in the Northern Hemisphere, where Trichiales play a marginal role. By contrast, Trichiales appear the main component of nivicolous assemblages in the Andes. Results of the present work, together with the earlier analysis of Stemonitidales, indicate that the Andes constitute an exceptionally important evolutionary hot spot for nivicolous myxomycetes characterized by an outstanding species diversity.

The Response of Litter-Associated Myxomycetes to Long-Term Nutrient Addition in a Lowland Tropical Forest.

Myxomycetes (plasmodial slime molds) are abundant protist predators that feed on bacteria and other microorganisms, thereby playing important roles in terrestrial nutrient cycling. Despite their significance, little is known about myxomycete communities and the extent to which they are affected by nutrient availability. We studied the influence of long-term addition of N, P, and K on the myxomycete community in a lowland forest in the Republic of Panama. In a previous study, microbial biomass increased with P but not N or K addition at this site. We hypothesized that myxomycetes would increase in abundance in response to P but that they would not respond to the sole addition of N or K. Moist chamber cultures of leaf litter and small woody debris were used to quantify myxomycete abundance. We generated the largest myxomycete dataset (3,381 records) for any single locality in the tropics comprised by 91 morphospecies. In line with our hypothesis, myxomycete abundance increased in response to P addition but did not respond to N or K. Community composition was unaffected by nutrient treatments. This work represents one of very few large-scale and long-term field studies to include a heterotrophic protist highlighting the feasibility and value in doing so.

Microhabitats occupied by Myxomycetes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Heliconiaceae inflorescences.

The occurrence of Myxomycetes in Heliconia psittacorum L.f. inflorescences was researched within four conservation units located in Northeast Brazil, aiming at evaluating the occupation of this microhabitat in fragments of Atlantic Forest along an altitude between 30-750 m. Inflorescences attached to the plant were examined; dead flowers and bracts were collected to assemble moist chambers (368). Four families, four genera and 10 species were recorded. A preference was evidenced for a basic pH substrate and a predominance of calcareous species (5:1). The composition of the myxobiota in fragments pertaining to altitudes above 400 m was similar and differed significantly from the one found in fragments of lowland forests (<100 m). Physarum compressum and Arcyria cinerea are the most characteristic species of the studied myxobiota.

Myxomycetes from mangroves: species occurring in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil.

Mangrove swamps and forests cover over 137,000 km2 distributed latitudinally among subtropical zones, 7% of which are in Brazil, with a greater density in the country's northernmost region. Considering that the community of Myxomycetes recorded for this environment is hardly known, three areas located in the state of Maranhão were investigated. Two field trips were conducted, one at the beginning of the rainy season and another during the dry season. In each area, two plots (125 m2) equidistant 100 m apart from each other were surveyed. In these areas, standing dead tree trunks and dead branches still attached to the mother plant that were above the tideline, were examined. On these same occasions, samples of the aerial litter and from the cortex of living trees (Rhizophora) were collected for the preparation of moist chambers cultures. Twenty-one specimens were obtained from field and moist chambers, belonging to 11 species, distributed in nine genera and five families. Seven species are new records from Maranhão. There was a predominance of r-strategist (73%) over K-strategist (27%) species. Cribraria violacea, Comatricha tenerrima, Echinostelium minutum, and Fuligo septica are new worldwide records from mangrove environments, and Oligonema flavidum is reported for the first time from Brazil.

Microhabitats occupied by Myxomycetes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Heliconiaceae inflorescences / Microhabitats ocupados por Myxomycetes na Floresta Atlântica Brasileira: inflorescências de Heliconiaceae

Abstract The occurrence of Myxomycetes in Heliconia psittacorum L.f. inflorescences was researched within four conservation units located in Northeast Brazil, aiming at evaluating the occupation of this microhabitat in fragments of Atlantic Forest along an altitude between 30-750 m. Inflorescences attached to the plant were examined; dead flowers and bracts were collected to assemble moist chambers (368). Four families, four genera and 10 species were recorded. A preference was evidenced for a basic pH substrate and a predominance of calcareous species (5:1). The composition of the myxobiota in fragments pertaining to altitudes above 400 m was similar and differed significantly from the one found in fragments of lowland forests (<100 m). Physarum compressum and Arcyria cinerea are the most characteristic species of the studied myxobiota.

Resumo A ocorrência de mixomicetos em inflorescências de Heliconia psittacorum L.f. foi pesquisada em quatro unidades de conservação situadas no Nordeste do Brasil, visando avaliar a ocupação deste microhabitat em fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica, numa faixa altitudinal de 30-750 m. Foram examinadas partes mortas de inflorescências ainda presas à planta; flores e brácteas mortas foram colhidas para montagem de câmaras-úmidas (368). Foram registrados quatro famílias, quatro gêneros e 10 espécies. Evidenciou-se preferência para substrato com pH básico e predominância de espécies calcárias (5:1). A composição da mixobiota nos fragmentos de altitudes acima de 400 m foi semelhante e diferiu significativamente da encontrada nos fragmentos de florestas de terras baixas (<100 m). Physarum compressum e Arcyria cinerea são as espécies mais características da mixobiota estudada.

Myxomycetes from mangroves: species occurring in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil / Myxomycetes em manguezais: espécies ocorrentes no estado do Maranhão, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Mangrove swamps and forests cover over 137,000 km2 distributed latitudinally among subtropical zones, 7% of which are in Brazil, with a greater density in the country’s northernmost region. Considering that the community of Myxomycetes recorded for this environment is hardly known, three areas located in the state of Maranhão were investigated. Two field trips were conducted, one at the beginning of the rainy season and another during the dry season. In each area, two plots (125 m2) equidistant 100 m apart from each other were surveyed. In these areas, standing dead tree trunks and dead branches still attached to the mother plant that were above the tideline, were examined. On these same occasions, samples of the aerial litter and from the cortex of living trees (Rhizophora) were collected for the preparation of moist chambers cultures. Twenty-one specimens were obtained from field and moist chambers, belonging to 11 species, distributed in nine genera and five families. Seven species are new records from Maranhão. There was a predominance of r-strategist (73%) over K-strategist (27%) species. Cribraria violacea, Comatricha tenerrima, Echinostelium minutum, and Fuligo septica are new worldwide records from mangrove environments, and Oligonema flavidum is reported for the first time from Brazil.

Resumo Os manguezais ocupam mais de 137.000 km2, distribuídos latitudinalmente entre as zonas subtropicais e 7% encontra-se no Brasil, com maior densidade entre os estados do Pará e Maranhão, na região norte do país. Considerando que a comunidade de mixomicetos registrada para este ambiente é pouco conhecida, três áreas localizadas no estado do Maranhão foram investigadas. Duas excursões foram realizadas, uma no início da estação chuvosa e outra na estiagem. Em cada área, foram georeferenciadas e exploradas duas parcelas (125 m2) equidistantes 100 m uma da outra foram avaliadas. Nestas, foram explorados troncos mortos em pé e galhos mortos ainda presos à planta-mãe, acima da linha da maré. Nas mesmas ocasiões foram coletadas amostras de folhedo aéreo e córtex de árvores vivas (Rhizophora) para montagem de câmaras-úmidas. Foram obtidos 21 espécimes de campo e câmara-úmida, pertencentes a 11 espécies, distribuídas em nove gêneros e cinco famílias. Sete espécies são novos registros para o Maranhão. Predominaram espécies r-estrategistas (73%), e 27% K-estrategistas. Cribraria violacea, Comatricha tenerrima, Echinostelium minutum e Fuligo septica são novos registros para o ambiente de manguezal, e Oligonema flavidum é registrada pela primeira vez no Brasil.

Myxomycetes from mangroves: species occurring in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil / Myxomycetes em manguezais: espécies ocorrentes no estado do Maranhão, nordeste do Brasil

Mangrove swamps and forests cover over 137,000 km2 distributed latitudinally among subtropical zones, 7% of which are in Brazil, with a greater density in the countrys northernmost region. Considering that the community of Myxomycetes recorded for this environment is hardly known, three areas located in the state of Maranhão were investigated. Two field trips were conducted, one at the beginning of the rainy season and another during the dry season. In each area, two plots (125 m2) equidistant 100 m apart from each other were surveyed. In these areas, standing dead tree trunks and dead branches still attached to the mother plant that were above the tideline, were examined. On these same occasions, samples of the aerial litter and from the cortex of living trees (Rhizophora) were collected for the preparation of moist chambers cultures. Twenty-one specimens were obtained from field and moist chambers, belonging to 11 species, distributed in nine genera and five families. Seven species are new records from Maranhão. There was a predominance of r-strategist (73%) over K-strategist (27%) species. Cribraria violacea, Comatricha tenerrima, Echinostelium minutum, and Fuligo septica are new worldwide records from mangrove environments, and Oligonema flavidum is reported for the first time from Brazil.(AU)

Os manguezais ocupam mais de 137.000 km2, distribuídos latitudinalmente entre as zonas subtropicais e 7% encontra-se no Brasil, com maior densidade entre os estados do Pará e Maranhão, na região norte do país. Considerando que a comunidade de mixomicetos registrada para este ambiente é pouco conhecida, três áreas localizadas no estado do Maranhão foram investigadas. Duas excursões foram realizadas, uma no início da estação chuvosa e outra na estiagem. Em cada área, foram georeferenciadas e exploradas duas parcelas (125 m2) equidistantes 100 m uma da outra foram avaliadas. Nestas, foram explorados troncos mortos em pé e galhos mortos ainda presos à planta-mãe, acima da linha da maré. Nas mesmas ocasiões foram coletadas amostras de folhedo aéreo e córtex de árvores vivas (Rhizophora) para montagem de câmaras-úmidas. Foram obtidos 21 espécimes de campo e câmara-úmida, pertencentes a 11 espécies, distribuídas em nove gêneros e cinco famílias. Sete espécies são novos registros para o Maranhão. Predominaram espécies r-estrategistas (73%), e 27% K-estrategistas. Cribraria violacea, Comatricha tenerrima, Echinostelium minutum e Fuligo septica são novos registros para o ambiente de manguezal, e Oligonema flavidum é registrada pela primeira vez no Brasil.(AU)

Microhabitats occupied by Myxomycetes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Heliconiaceae inflorescences / Microhabitats ocupados por Myxomycetes na Floresta Atlântica Brasileira: inflorescências de Heliconiaceae

The occurrence of Myxomycetes in Heliconia psittacorum L.f. inflorescences was researched within four conservation units located in Northeast Brazil, aiming at evaluating the occupation of this microhabitat in fragments of Atlantic Forest along an altitude between 30-750 m. Inflorescences attached to the plant were examined; dead flowers and bracts were collected to assemble moist chambers (368). Four families, four genera and 10 species were recorded. A preference was evidenced for a basic pH substrate and a predominance of calcareous species (5:1). The composition of the myxobiota in fragments pertaining to altitudes above 400 m was similar and differed significantly from the one found in fragments of lowland forests (<100 m). Physarum compressum and Arcyria cinerea are the most characteristic species of the studied myxobiota.(AU)

A ocorrência de mixomicetos em inflorescências de Heliconia psittacorum L.f. foi pesquisada em quatro unidades de conservação situadas no Nordeste do Brasil, visando avaliar a ocupação deste microhabitat em fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica, numa faixa altitudinal de 30-750 m. Foram examinadas partes mortas de inflorescências ainda presas à planta; flores e brácteas mortas foram colhidas para montagem de câmaras-úmidas (368). Foram registrados quatro famílias, quatro gêneros e 10 espécies. Evidenciou-se preferência para substrato com pH básico e predominância de espécies calcárias (5:1). A composição da mixobiota nos fragmentos de altitudes acima de 400 m foi semelhante e diferiu significativamente da encontrada nos fragmentos de florestas de terras baixas (<100 m). Physarum compressum e Arcyria cinerea são as espécies mais características da mixobiota estudada.(AU)

Perichaena longipes, a new myxomycete from the Neotropics.

A new species of myxomycete, Perichaena longipes, is described from 56 sporocarp specimens that appeared in moist chamber cultures prepared with samples of decaying plant materials collected in Panama, Costa Rica and Brazil. This new species is distinguished from the morphologically similar species P. pedata on the basis of the much longer stipe, lighter peridium and the unique ornamentation of the capillitium. The nuc 18S ribosomal DNA sequences obtained from four specimens of P. longipes support the distinction of this new taxon and its separation from P. pedata. Furthermore, maximum likelihood phylogeny supports earlier evidence that species currently within the genus Perichaena do not form a monophyletic clade. Instead they appear to form three separate branches within the bright-spored clade. The first clade includes P. longipes together with several species of Trichia and Metatrichia, the second includes P. pedata and P. chrysosperma, and the third clade is composed of P. corticalis, P. depressa and P. luteola.

Nivicolous Stemonitales from the Austral Andes: analysis of morphological variability, distribution and phenology as a first step toward testing the large-scale coherence of species and biogeographical properties.

Nivicolous myxomycetes occur at the edge of spring-melting snow in mountainous areas. They are mostly considered cosmopolitan species morphologically and ecologically uniform across their entire distribution ranges. Thus, long-distance dispersal has been suggested to be the main mechanism shaping their ranges and geographical variability patterns. To test this hypothesis we conducted the first detailed analysis of morphological variability, occurrence frequency and phenology of nivicolous myxomycetes collected in the hitherto unexplored Austral Andes of South America (southern hemisphere = SH) in the comparative context of data from the northern hemisphere (NH). We used Stemonitales, the most representative and numerous taxonomic order in nivicolous myxomycetes, as a model. A total of 131 South American collections represented 13 species or morphotypes. One of them, Lamproderma andinum, is new to science and described here. Several others, L. aeneum, L. album, L. pulveratum, "Meriderma aff. aggregatum ad. int.", M. carestiae and "M. spinulosporum ad. int.", were previously unknown from the SH. Lamproderma ovoideum is reported for the first time from South America and Collaria nigricapillitia is new for Argentina. The fine-scale morphological analysis of all species from the study area and reference NH material demonstrated a high intraspecific variability in most of them. This suggests isolation and independent evolutionary processes among remote populations. On the other hand, the uniform morphology of a few species indicates that long-distance dispersal is also an effective mechanism, although not as universal as usually assumed, in some nivicolous myxomycetes. Analysis of nivicolous species assemblages also showed significant differences among major geographic regions in that the Stemonitales were significantly less common in the SH than in the NH. Furthermore, the occurrence of nivicolous species in summer and autumn, out of the typical phenological season, is recognized as a possible distinctive phenomenon for the SH populations.

Didymium xerophilum, a new myxomycete from the tropical Andes.

A new species of Didymium (Myxomycetes), D. xerophilum, is described, and some details of its life cycle are provided. The new species was collected during studies of arid areas of Argentina and Peru. It can be distinguished by the persistent funnel-shaped invagination of the peridium, the top of which appears as a deep umbilicus in closed sporothecae, and the calcareous hypothallus shared among several sporocarps. This combination of characters, with a circumscissile dehiscence of the sporotheca and a cream stalk packed with rhombic lime crystals, is unknown in other described species. Morphology was examined with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, and micrographs of relevant details are included here. Phylogenetic analysis with 18S rDNA sequences of different species of Didymium supports the distinct identity of this new species. Some collections of this myxomycete were made at up to 4600 m, an altitude almost unknown for this group of microorganisms.

The genus Alwisia (Myxomycetes) revalidated, with two species new to science.

Based on morphological investigations and a phylogeny constructed with partial sequences of the SSU rDNA gene, we revalidate the genus Alwisia and propose the combination Alwisia bombarda Berk. & Broome to be used against Tubifera bombarda (Berk. & Broome) G.W. Martin. Two new species, Alwisia morula and A. repens, are described based on material collected respectively in Costa Rica and Australia. Both new species lack a capillitium and possess individually stalked subspherical sporothecae. Alwisia repens differs from A. morula by its procumbent stalks and iridescent peridium. A comparison of 83 sequences of species in the genera Lycogala, Reticularia and Tubifera with a recent two-gene phylogeny of the bright-spored myxomycetes resulted in a similar topology of both Bayesian and maximum likelihood trees and placed A. bombarda, A. morula and A. repens in one well delimited clade within Reticulariaceae.

Using environmental niche models to test the 'everything is everywhere' hypothesis for Badhamia.

It is often discussed whether the biogeography of free-living protists is better explained by the 'everything is everywhere'(EiE) hypothesis, which postulates that only ecology drives their distribution, or by the alternative hypothesis of 'moderate endemicity' in which geographic barriers can limit their dispersal. To formally test this, it would be necessary not only to find organisms restricted to a geographical area but also to check for their presence in any other place with a similar ecology. We propose the use of environmental niche models to generate and test null EiE distributions. Here we have analysed the distribution of 18S rDNA variants (ribotypes) of the myxomycete Badhamia melanospora (belonging to the protozoan phylum Amoebozoa) using 125 specimens from 91 localities. Two geographically structured groups of ribotypes congruent with slight morphological differences in the spores can be distinguished. One group comprises all populations from Argentina and Chile, and the other is formed by populations from North America together with human-introduced populations from other parts of the world. Environmental climatic niche models constructed separately for the two groups have significant differences, but show several overlapping areas. However, only specimens from one group were found in an intensively surveyed area in South America where both niche models overlap. It can be concluded that everything is not everywhere for B. melanospora. This taxon constitutes a complex formed by at least two cryptic species that probably diverged allopatrically in North and South America.

Myxomycetes collection preserved in the herbarium of the Federal University of Roraima (Brazil) / Coleção de Myxomycetes conservada no herbário da Universidade Federal de Roraima

First records of myxomycetes in the North region of Brazil go back to the 19th century. Nevertheless, the myxobiota of this region is still largely unexplored, with only 42 species recorded, distributed in 20 genera and seven families. The objectives of this paper were to characterize the Myxomycetes collection of the Herbarium of the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR) and to add new records for the myxobiota of this State. The collection holds specimens collected in fragments of Open Ombrophilous Forest, Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest, Riparian Forest, deforested areas and urban home gardens in the state of Roraima. The 157 exsiccates were analyzed and identified or redetermined based on identification keys, descriptions and illustrations. The collection is in good conditions of preservation and includes all subclasses of Myxomycetes, 83% of its orders, 50% of its families, and 20 species. Trichiales, with one family, three genera and six species, represents 62% of all exsiccates. Cribraria aff. splendens, Metatrichia vesparia, Physarella oblonga, Stemonaria longa and Stemonitis splendens are new records for Roraima and Arcyria obvelata, Comatricha pulchella, Stemonitis pallida and Stemonitopsis aequalis are referred for the first time in the Northern Region, enlarging the knowledge of the Brazilian geographic distribution of these species.

Os primeiros registros de mixomicetos na Região Norte do Brasil remontam ao Século XIX. Todavia, a mixobiota desta região está ainda muito pouco explorada, com apenas 42 espécies registradas, distribuídas em 20 gêneros e sete famílias. Os objetivos deste estudo foram caracterizar a coleção de Myxomycetes do Herbário da Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR) e adicionar novos registros para a mixobiota deste estado. A coleção contém espécimes coletados em fragmentos de Floresta Ombrófila Aberta, Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, Mata Ciliar, áreas desmatadas e quintais urbanos no estado de Roraima. As 157 exsicatas foram analisadas e identificadas ou redeterminadas com base em chaves de identificação, descrições e ilustrações. A coleção encontra-se em boas condições de conservação e inclui todas as subclasses de Myxomycetes, 83% das ordens, 50% das famílias e 20 espécies. A ordem Trichiales, com uma família, três gêneros e seis espécies, corresponde a 62% das exsicatas. Cribraria aff. splendens, Metatrichia vesparia, Physarella oblonga, Stemonaria longa e Stemonitis splendens são novos registros para o estado de Roraima e Arcyria obvelata, Comatricha pulchella, Stemonitis pallida e Stemonitopsis aequalis são referidas pela primeira vez para a Região Norte, ampliando a distribuição geográfica conhecida para estas espécies no Brasil.

Myxomycetes collection preserved in the herbarium of the Federal University of Roraima (Brazil) / Coleção de Myxomycetes conservada no herbário da Universidade Federal de Roraima

First records of myxomycetes in the North region of Brazil go back to the 19th century. Nevertheless, the myxobiota of this region is still largely unexplored, with only 42 species recorded, distributed in 20 genera and seven families. The objectives of this paper were to characterize the Myxomycetes collection of the Herbarium of the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR) and to add new records for the myxobiota of this State. The collection holds specimens collected in fragments of Open Ombrophilous Forest, Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest, Riparian Forest, deforested areas and urban home gardens in the state of Roraima. The 157 exsiccates were analyzed and identified or redetermined based on identification keys, descriptions and illustrations. The collection is in good conditions of preservation and includes all subclasses of Myxomycetes, 83% of its orders, 50% of its families, and 20 species. Trichiales, with one family, three genera and six species, represents 62% of all exsiccates. Cribraria aff. splendens, Metatrichia vesparia, Physarella oblonga, Stemonaria longa and Stemonitis splendens are new records for Roraima and Arcyria obvelata, Comatricha pulchella, Stemonitis pallida and Stemonitopsis aequalis are referred for the first time in the Northern Region, enlarging the knowledge of the Brazilian geographic distribution of these species.(AU)

Os primeiros registros de mixomicetos na Região Norte do Brasil remontam ao Século XIX. Todavia, a mixobiota desta região está ainda muito pouco explorada, com apenas 42 espécies registradas, distribuídas em 20 gêneros e sete famílias. Os objetivos deste estudo foram caracterizar a coleção de Myxomycetes do Herbário da Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR) e adicionar novos registros para a mixobiota deste estado. A coleção contém espécimes coletados em fragmentos de Floresta Ombrófila Aberta, Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, Mata Ciliar, áreas desmatadas e quintais urbanos no estado de Roraima. As 157 exsicatas foram analisadas e identificadas ou redeterminadas com base em chaves de identificação, descrições e ilustrações. A coleção encontra-se em boas condições de conservação e inclui todas as subclasses de Myxomycetes, 83% das ordens, 50% das famílias e 20 espécies. A ordem Trichiales, com uma família, três gêneros e seis espécies, corresponde a 62% das exsicatas. Cribraria aff. splendens, Metatrichia vesparia, Physarella oblonga, Stemonaria longa e Stemonitis splendens são novos registros para o estado de Roraima e Arcyria obvelata, Comatricha pulchella, Stemonitis pallida e Stemonitopsis aequalis são referidas pela primeira vez para a Região Norte, ampliando a distribuição geográfica conhecida para estas espécies no Brasil.(AU)

Perichaena megaspora, a new nivicolous species of myxomycete from the Andes.

A new nivicolous species of Perichaena is described from the Andes in Argentina. The most conspicuous characteristics of Perichaena megaspora are the large spores and their ornamentation in the form of flattened warts. The 16-21 µm diam spores make the new species unique in the genus in which all other species have spores rarely reaching 15 µm diam. Twenty-two collections were found in the field during two consecutive years at 10 localities in Mendoza province Argentina, including one collection isolated from a moist chamber culture of ground litter. The new species was examined under stereomicroscope, light microscope and scanning electron microscope and micrographs of relevant details are included.