The new specimens were collected in an area with a humid subtropical monsoon climate and vegetation consisting mainly of subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests, coniferous forests and secondary shrublands. Each mushroom was photographed and described in situ, with field notes recording its macroscopic features and standardized colour descriptions. The specimens were cut longitudinally to observe discoloration in damaged tissue, then dried in an oven at 45 °C for 10 hours. Sealed with desiccant, they were temporarily stored at 4 °C in a resource-preservation facility. The examined material was deposited in the Herbarium of Cryptogams at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The holotypes are catalogued as HKAS151561 for S. yuxiensis and HKAS151559 for S. rubropurpureus.

For microscopic examination, the dried fungi were rehydrated, sectioned and mounted in a solution containing 5% potassium hydroxide and 1% Congo red. Investigators examined basidia, basidiospores, cheilocystidia, pleurocystidia, the pileipellis and the stipitipellis, as well as internal tissue from the cap and stipe. Measurements included 30–50 randomly selected basidiospores and 20 additional microscopic structures. The researchers also extracted DNA and amplified the nuclear ribosomal large subunit region, the nuclear internal transcribed spacer, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Their combined alignment contained 2,869 base pairs, including 839 base pairs for nrLSU, 695 for nrITS, 608 for TEF1-alpha and 727 for RPB2, with gaps.

Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses generated trees that were highly consistent, differing mainly in some statistical support values, so the researchers presented the maximum likelihood tree. Rubroboletus sinicus and Rubroboletus rhodosanguineus were used as outgroups. Sutorius yuxiensis emerged as the sister taxon of S. obscuripellis, including the available type sequences of that species, with maximum likelihood bootstrap support of 100% and a posterior probability of 1.00. S. rubropurpureus was placed within a larger clade that also contains S. rubinus, S. mucosus, S. pachypus and S. australiensis. That major branch likewise received 100% bootstrap support and a posterior probability of 1.00. Support for the specific relationship between S. rubropurpureus and S. rubinus was low, leaving that individual relationship less certain despite support for the broader lineage.

Sutorius yuxiensis has a medium-sized cap measuring 40–65 mm in diameter. Its smooth surface is densely covered with fine hairs and is yellowish-brown, with patchy colour variation, irregularly distributed spots and an occasionally fading margin. The yellowish-white cap flesh contains scattered small groups of dark reddish-brown encrustations and is unchanging or only slightly reddened when cut. Its stipe measures 40–60 by 15–20 mm and is clavate to cylindrical, with a dull violet-grey surface bearing violet-brown granulose squamules. The hymenophore is tubular, with orange-grey tubes and a pale violet-grey pore surface. The smooth, narrowly ellipsoid to subcylindrical basidiospores measure (10.33–)10.49–14.90(–14.95) by (3.13–)3.26–5.40(–5.43) μm, with a mean length-to-width ratio of 2.93 ± 0.41. Both cheilocystidia and pleurocystidia are present.

The name Sutorius yuxiensis refers to Yuxi Town, where the holotype was collected at 28°50′42″N, 107°37′32″E and an elevation of 1,184.74 m. The species can be distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relative, S. obscuripellis, by several characters. S. yuxiensis has smaller cheilocystidia and possesses pleurocystidia, whereas S. obscuripellis lacks pleurocystidia. Its pileipellis comprises brown to dark brown hyphae that are colorless to brownish-yellow or pale brown in potassium hydroxide; in S. obscuripellis, the corresponding tissue comprises brown to pale-yellow hyphae in water and shows slight extracellular brown pigmentation. The cap of S. yuxiensis is yellowish-brown, whereas S. obscuripellis has the darker brown cap. The stem cross-section of S. yuxiensis also has a dark-brown margin, a feature lacking in S. obscuripellis.

The second new species, Sutorius rubropurpureus, has a cap 40–80 mm in diameter. When young, the cap is purplish-red and tomentose, with a slightly subrugulose surface; with age, it becomes purplish-grey to brown and gradually becomes paler toward the margin. Its stipe is 30–50 by 10–20 mm, reddish-brown, cylindrical to subclavate or tapering downward, and sometimes sub-bulbous at the base. Grayish-white granulose squamules densely cover the finely scabrous surface, with white to off-white basal tomentum. The tube surface is dark purple, while the tubes are orange-brown. The cut stipe does not change colour when injured. The specific epithet refers to the conspicuous reddish-purple coloration of the pileus and stipe surfaces.

Microscopic characters further distinguish S. rubropurpureus from close relatives. Its smooth, subfusoid basidiospores measure (9.85–)9.90–15.20(–15.48) by (3.57–)3.60–5.50(–5.86) μm, with a mean length-to-width ratio of 2.86 ± 0.37. Narrowly fusiform cheilocystidia occur frequently, and spindle-shaped pleurocystidia are also present. The pileipellis is an intricate trichoderm or a slightly gelatinized version of that structure, while the stipe surface has a thin gluten layer composed of erect, thin-walled hyphae with brown extracellular pigment. These traits help distinguish the species from S. rubinus, which lacks pleurocystidia; S. mucosus, which lacks both cheilocystidia and pleurocystidia and has a waxy or subviscid cap; S. pachypus, which typically has a broader stipe; and S. australiensis, which has dark violet-brown pores when young and a differently patterned stipe surface.

The authors note that Sutorius has been taxonomically unstable since its establishment in 2012 and that superficially similar mushrooms can conceal substantial genetic differences. The type species, S. eximius, is understood to represent a complex of closely related taxa rather than a single, uniformly distributed species. Some Asian collections that resemble Sutorius in appearance have grouped within the Tylopilus lineage in molecular analyses, potentially reflecting convergent evolution or cryptic speciation. Sutorius and Neoboletus can also overlap in colour and spore ornamentation, making morphology alone unreliable in some comparisons. The study therefore used integrative identification across multiple loci, with TEF1-alpha and RPB2 providing especially useful discrimination. The authors describe Boletaceae diversity in tropical and subtropical Asia as still substantially underestimated and conclude that the two new taxa expand the known diversity of Sutorius in Guizhou’s subtropical karst forest ecosystems.

Subject of Research: Taxonomic identification of two new ectomycorrhizal Sutorius species in Guizhou, China

Article Title: Morphological and molecular evidence reveal two new species of Sutorius ( Boletaceae , Basidiomycota ) from Guizhou Province, China

Article References: Xu, X.-H., Mo, X., Chen, A.-M., Li, Y.-D., Pei, Y., Li, J.-W., Wen, T.-C., Karunarathna, S. C., Tarafder, E., & Zhang, W.-P. (2026). Morphological and molecular evidence reveal two new species of Sutorius (Boletaceae, Basidiomycota) from Guizhou Province, China. MycoKeys, 134, 275-290. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.134.192749

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.134.192749

Keywords: Sutorius, new species, fungal taxonomy, Boletaceae, phylogenetics, mushroom morphology, Guizhou, forest fungi, ectomycorrhizal fungi, molecular identification, Morphological, molecular

The study focused on collections made during field surveys in 2020 and 2023, targeting areas with distinct climatic conditions ranging from dry temperate zones to cold alpine environments. Researchers identified Dimelaena altissima, Lecanora chlarotera, and Usnea lapponica as new records for Pakistan, marking their first documented presence in the country. Additionally, the team generated nuclear internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequences for Evernia prunastri, Lecanora horiza, Lecanora hybocarpa, Peltigera polydactylon, and Peltigera praetextata, which had previously been identified only through morphological means. These molecular data provide a robust foundation for future phylogenetic studies and help clarify the evolutionary relationships among lichen species in the region, bridging the gap between historical taxonomic records and modern genetic insights.

Dimelaena altissima, a crustose lichen belonging to the family Caliciaceae, was found growing on rocks at varying elevations, from 841 meters in the Kohistan district to over 4,173 meters in the Babusar Top area of Gilgit-Baltistan. The species is characterized by its yellowish-green to yellowish-white thallus and frequent, black, pruinose apothecia. Phylogenetic analysis using nrITS sequences confirmed that the Pakistani specimens cluster closely with sequences from China, receiving strong bootstrap support of 90% in maximum likelihood trees. This finding validates the morphological identification and highlights the trans-Himalayan distribution of the species. The presence of D. altissima in such diverse habitats suggests a high degree of ecological adaptability, capable of thriving in both low-elevation dry temperate zones and high-altitude alpine environments with significant temperature fluctuations.

Evernia prunastri, commonly known as oakmoss, was identified in the Kumrat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, growing on the bark of trees in cold temperate mountainous regions at elevations above 2,000 meters. This fruticose lichen is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and North America, and is known for its role in traditional medicine and as a bioindicator of air quality. The study provided the first molecular confirmation of E. prunastri in Pakistan, with ITS sequences from Pakistani collections being identical to those reported from Norway. This genetic consistency across such a vast geographic range underscores the species’ widespread adaptability and the reliability of nrITS markers for identifying lichen species across different continents. The habitat is dominated by coniferous and deciduous trees, including Indian horse-chestnut and deodar, which provide the necessary substrate for this epiphytic lichen.

Lecanora chlarotera, another new record for Pakistan, was found on bark in the Kumrat Valley and Kaghan Valley, both located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This crustose lichen is part of the L. subfusca complex and is widespread in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The Pakistani specimens exhibited morphological characteristics consistent with descriptions from the Czech Republic, although with slightly smaller apothecia and smoother margins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Pakistani sequences cluster with those from the United Kingdom and Sweden, confirming their identity as L. chlarotera. The species was found in cold temperate regions with moderate to high rainfall, indicating a preference for moist environments. The discovery of this species in Pakistan adds to the growing body of evidence that the country’s lichen flora shares significant affinities with European and Central Asian species, reflecting historical biogeographic connections.

The study also documented the first molecular sequences for Lecanora horiza and Lecanora hybocarpa, both of which were previously known from Pakistan based on morphological identification. L. horiza was found in Kohistan, while L. hybocarpa was recorded in Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan. These species are part of the Lecanoraceae family and are commonly found on nutrient-rich substrates such as bark and rock. The generation of nrITS sequences for these species provides a crucial reference for future studies, allowing for more accurate identification and phylogenetic placement. The molecular data showed that L. horiza clusters with sequences from North Macedonia, Switzerland, and the USA, while L. hybocarpa groups with sequences from Spain. These findings highlight the global connectivity of lichen species and the importance of molecular tools in resolving taxonomic ambiguities that have long plagued lichenology.

Peltigera polydactylon subsp. udeghe and Peltigera praetextata, both members of the Peltigeraceae family, were also included in the study, with the former found in Fairy Meadows, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the latter in Kumrat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. P. polydactylon is a foliose lichen characterized by its dark, lobate thallus and association with the cyanobacterium Nostoc, which enables it to fix atmospheric nitrogen. The Pakistani specimen of P. polydactylon subsp. udeghe clustered with sequences from China and the USA, confirming its identity. P. praetextata, on the other hand, is distinguished by its tomentose lobe margins and phyllidia. The study provided the first molecular confirmation of P. praetextata in Pakistan, with sequences grouping with those from Norway and Russia. These findings contribute to the understanding of the distribution and ecology of nitrogen-fixing lichens in the Himalayan region, which play a crucial role in nutrient cycling in nutrient-poor soils.

Usnea lapponica, a fruticose lichen in the Parmeliaceae family, was identified in the Naltar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, growing on bark at an elevation above 3,228 meters. This species is characterized by its erect to pendent thallus with deeply excavated soralia and farinose soredia. The Pakistani specimen was found in a cold and dry temperate mountainous region, with annual rainfall varying between 254 and 400 mm. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Pakistani sequence clusters with those from Austria, India, Sweden, and Switzerland, confirming its identity as U. lapponica. This is the first report of the species from Pakistan, adding to the known diversity of Usnea in the region. The presence of U. lapponica in such high-altitude, cold environments highlights its resilience and adaptability to extreme climatic conditions, making it a valuable subject for studying the limits of lichen survival in changing climates.

The integration of morphological, anatomical, and molecular data in this study provides a robust framework for understanding the lichen diversity of Pakistan. The findings not only add new species to the national checklist but also offer insights into the ecological and biogeographic patterns of lichenized fungi in the region. The use of nrITS markers has proven to be an effective tool for resolving taxonomic uncertainties and confirming species identities, particularly in cases where morphological characters are ambiguous or overlapping. The study underscores the importance of continued field surveys and molecular analyses in documenting the biodiversity of underexplored regions like Pakistan, where the lichen flora remains largely unknown. As climate change and environmental pressures continue to impact ecosystems, a detailed understanding of lichen diversity and ecology is essential for conservation efforts and for assessing the health of mountainous environments.

Future research should focus on expanding the geographic scope of lichen surveys in Pakistan, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas that have received little attention. The development of comprehensive molecular databases for Pakistani lichens will facilitate more accurate identification and phylogenetic studies, contributing to a global understanding of lichen diversity and evolution. Additionally, studies on the ecological interactions between lichens and their environments, including the effects of climate change and pollution, are needed to assess the vulnerability of these organisms and their role in ecosystem functioning. The present study serves as a foundation for these future investigations, highlighting the rich and diverse lichen flora of Pakistan and the potential for further discoveries in this biogeographically significant region.

Subject of Research: Molecular and morphological characterization of lichenized fungi in Pakistan

Article Title: A systematic study of some lichenized fungi from Pakistan using nrITS marker

Article References: Ahmad, U. F., Zulfiqar, R., Naheed, M., Nadeem, M., Habib, K., Niazi, A. R., & Khalid, A. N. (2024). A systematic study of some lichenized fungi from Pakistan using nrITS marker. Italian Botanist, 18, 75-96. https://doi.org/10.3897/italianbotanist.18.133246

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3897/italianbotanist.18.133246

Keywords: lichenology, Pakistan, nrITS marker, biodiversity, phylogenetics, molecular identification, Himalayan flora, taxonomic revision, systematic, some, lichenized, fungi

The genus Tropidopola Stål, 1873, is part of a diverse lineage within the order Orthoptera, which includes grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. Within Georgia, the family Acrididae is particularly well-represented, with approximately 80 species recorded to date. However, the genus Tropidopola had not been previously documented in the country, despite its wide distribution across the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of Africa. The species T. turanica is known to inhabit damp meadows and the beds of reeds, Cyperus, and Juncus in desert or semi-desert areas near water bodies. Its presence in Georgia suggests that suitable microhabitats exist within the country that support this species, even if they were not previously recognized by entomologists. This finding underscores the importance of continued surveying efforts in diverse habitats, including those that may seem unlikely candidates for such specialized insects.

The specific specimen that led to this record was collected in Dighomi Park in Tbilisi, Georgia, at coordinates 41.769476°N, 44.773614°E, and an elevation of 426 meters above sea level. The collection took place on June 20, 2022, when a single female was found in the thickets of Phragmites australis, a common reed species. The collector, A. Seropian, preserved the specimen in 96% ethanol and stored it at -30 °C to maintain its integrity for subsequent analysis. This accidental discovery during the CaBOL (Caucasus Barcode of Life) project highlights the value of broad-scale sampling initiatives, which can uncover species that targeted surveys might miss. The fact that the specimen was found in an urban park rather than a remote natural reserve suggests that T. turanica may be more adaptable to human-modified environments than previously assumed, or that the park provides a microclimate similar to its preferred natural habitats.

To confirm the identity of the specimen, researchers employed a combination of morphological examination and DNA barcoding. The specimen was photographed using a Canon EOS 60D camera with a Canon EF 60 mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens, and digital images were prepared using Zerene Stacker image stacking software and Adobe Photoshop CS6 to enhance detail. The external morphology of T. turanica is characterized by a very elongated, cylindrical body and slender hind tibia muscles that are weakly developed. This physical adaptation reflects its lifestyle, as these grasshoppers typically sit motionless in an ambush on the grass during the day, avoiding danger by moving to the other side of the grass rather than jumping. The voucher specimen is now kept at Ilia State University under the number CaBOL-ID 1023967, serving as a physical reference for future studies.

The molecular analysis involved extracting DNA from leg tissue using the Quick-DNA Magbead Plus Kit from Zymo Research. The partial sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the primer pairs LCOI490-JJ and HCO2198-JJ. The thermal cycling conditions included an initial denaturation at 95°C for 1 minute, followed by 15 cycles of denaturation at 94°C for 30 seconds, annealing at 55°C for 1 minute with a 1°C decrease per cycle, and extension at 72°C for 1 minute and 30 seconds. This was followed by 25 cycles of denaturation at 94°C for 35 seconds, annealing at 45°C for 1 minute, and extension at 72°C for 1 minute and 30 seconds, concluding with a final extension at 72°C for 5 minutes. The PCR amplicons were visualized on 1% agarose gels, and sequencing was performed at the Beijing Genomics Institute in Hong Kong, China. The sequences were analyzed using Geneious Prime 2022.1.1, ensuring accurate alignment and comparison with existing data.

The newly obtained DNA barcode was submitted to the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) database, where it was assigned the accession number BOLD:AFB9057. This is the first T. turanica sequence submitted to the BOLD Systems database, marking a significant contribution to the global reference library for this species. The nearest neighbor to the new barcode in the BOLD system was an unidentified Acrididae from Pakistan, with a p-distance of 6.25%. The second and third best matches were also unidentified Acrididae from Pakistan, with p-distances of 6.27%. The nearest congener in the BOLD system was T. cylindrica (Marschall, 1836), from France, Corsica, with a p-distance of 6.45%. Given the maximum p-distance of 0.2% between the unidentified Acrididae from Pakistan and T. cylindrica from France, it is likely that the former belong to the same species, further supporting the distinctiveness of the Georgian specimen.

The discovery of T. turanica in Georgia has implications for understanding the biogeography of the species and the broader patterns of insect distribution in the Caucasus. The species is currently marked as part of the distribution range in the Orthoptera Species File Online database, but there was no prior literary data on its presence in Georgia. This gap in the literature is now filled by the combination of morphological and molecular evidence provided in this study. The use of DNA barcoding has proven to be an effective tool for identifying species in regions where taxonomic expertise may be limited or where morphological characters are subtle. By depositing the DNA sequences in the BOLD database, researchers have made this data available to the global scientific community, facilitating future studies and comparisons.

The ecological preferences of T. turanica are closely tied to its habitat, which includes damp meadows and the beds of reeds and other aquatic plants. The presence of Phragmites australis in Dighomi Park likely provided the necessary conditions for the species to thrive, offering both food and shelter. The behavior of these grasshoppers, characterized by their ambush strategy and limited jumping ability, suggests that they are well-adapted to environments where they can remain hidden from predators. This adaptation may also explain why the species was not previously detected in Georgia, as it may have been overlooked due to its cryptic behavior and the lack of targeted surveys for this specific genus.

The CaBOL project, which aims to barcode the biodiversity of the Caucasus region, has played a crucial role in this discovery. By conducting expeditions and collecting efforts in various parts of Georgia, including urban and protected areas, the project has generated a wealth of data that is contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s fauna. The accidental discovery of T. turanica in Dighomi Park demonstrates the importance of broad-scale sampling and the potential for unexpected findings in well-studied areas. As the project continues, it is likely that more species will be added to the list of known fauna in Georgia, further enriching our knowledge of the region’s biodiversity.

In conclusion, the first barcode-assisted record of Tropidopola turanica from Georgia represents a significant contribution to the field of entomology and biogeography. The combination of morphological identification and DNA barcoding has provided strong evidence for the presence of this species in the country, filling a gap in the existing literature. The discovery highlights the importance of continued surveying efforts and the use of modern molecular tools in documenting biodiversity. As more data is collected and analyzed, our understanding of the distribution and ecology of T. turanica and other species in the region will continue to grow, providing valuable insights into the complex interactions between organisms and their environments.

Subject of Research: First barcode-assisted record of Tropidopola turanica in Georgia

Article Title: The first barcode-assisted record of Tropidopola turanica Uvarov, 1926 ( Orthoptera , Acrididae ) from Georgia

Article References: Arsenashvili, E., & Seropian, A. (2023). The first barcode-assisted record of Tropidopola turanica Uvarov, 1926 (Orthoptera, Acrididae) from Georgia. Caucasiana, 2, 109-111. https://doi.org/10.3897/caucasiana.2.e105742

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3897/caucasiana.2.e105742

Keywords: Tropidopola turanica, Georgia, DNA barcoding, Orthoptera, Acrididae, Biodiversity, Biogeography, CaBOL project, Entomology, Molecular identification, first, barcode-assisted

The dog was referred to the Veterinary Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tehran with a striking dermatological picture. It lived outdoors under unsanitary conditions with regular exposure to vegetation and soil, and it presented with diffuse hair loss, marked redness, itching and scaling across the skin of its back. Crucially, there was no ulceration or open wound, no lethargy and no loss of appetite, so systemic illness seemed unlikely and a complete blood count was not performed. The owner declined a skin biopsy, which meant the team could not obtain histopathological evidence of fungal invasion, a detail that would later shape how carefully the conclusions had to be framed. Hair plucks and skin scrapings were collected from the affected areas under sterile conditions and sent to the laboratory for fungal examination.

The initial diagnostic workup followed the standard playbook for suspected dermatophytosis, the superficial fungal infection of keratinized skin that is usually caused by organisms such as Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. A Wood’s lamp examination was negative, and a direct microscopic examination of material treated with 10 percent potassium hydroxide also failed to reveal fungal elements. But the story changed when the samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. After incubation at 28 degrees Celsius, colonies emerged that were creamy-brown and powdery with a colorless reverse surface. Lactophenol cotton blue staining of the growth revealed thin, septate hyphae studded with large, round, warty conidia, a morphological signature that immediately suggested the team was not dealing with a routine dermatophyte.

Seeking to probe the organism’s thermal behavior, the researchers subcultured the colonies onto blood agar and incubated them at 37 degrees Celsius, close to mammalian body temperature, for five days. The fungus produced creamy, dome-shaped, mucoid colonies under these conditions, and Giemsa staining revealed round-to-oval yeast-like cells with budding and point attachments when viewed under oil immersion at 100 times magnification. This dimorphic tendency, the ability to alter its appearance under different growth conditions, added another layer of complexity to the identification. Morphology alone could not settle the question, particularly since members of the family Chaetomiaceae, to which Corynascus belongs, are notorious for overlapping phenotypic features among closely related species. The team therefore turned to the laboratory’s molecular arsenal.

Genomic DNA was extracted from the isolate using a commercial fungal DNA extraction kit, and the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA, comprising the ITS1 spacer, the 5.8S rRNA gene and the ITS2 spacer, was amplified with the universal primers ITS1 and ITS4. The polymerase chain reaction protocol began with denaturation at 94 degrees Celsius for three minutes, followed by 37 cycles of denaturation for 30 seconds, annealing at 60 degrees Celsius for 30 seconds and extension at 72 degrees Celsius for 30 seconds, with a final extension of eight minutes. The roughly 600-base-pair amplicon was then sequenced, and the resulting sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession number PV082530, making it publicly available for future comparisons by researchers anywhere in the world.

The sequence told a clear story. BLAST analysis showed 99.36 percent nucleotide similarity to reference sequences of Corynascus verrucosus and 99.34 percent similarity to a reference sequence of Corynascus sepedonium, a closely related species whose ITS region differs only marginally. To resolve the placement further, the researchers aligned their sequence with reference data from GenBank and constructed a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree in MEGA7 using the Kimura two-parameter model with 1000 bootstrap replicates. The Iranian isolate fell squarely within the broader Corynascus lineage and clustered tightly with C. verrucosus sequences from different geographic regions, while reference sequences annotated as Myceliophthora, including Myceliophthora sepedonium and Myceliophthora verrucosa, occupied the same larger assemblage. The tree was rooted with Amesia atrobrunnea as the outgroup, and the resulting topology was consistent with previously published taxonomic frameworks placing Corynascus within the family Chaetomiaceae.

The taxonomy behind that placement is itself a story of scientific revision. The genus Corynascus comprises seven recognized species, and its boundaries have shifted repeatedly over decades of study, from early work by von Klopotek in 1974 and Stchigel and colleagues in 2000, who described three new thermotolerant species, to a 2015 re-evaluation of Myceliophthora using morphological and multilocus phylogenetic data that affirmed Corynascus as a distinct genus. More recent comprehensive studies have supported that distinction using multigene analyses incorporating ITS, LSU, rpb2, tub2 and tef sequences. Meanwhile, members of the Myceliophthora lineage have attracted industrial attention for their production of thermostable enzymes, and C. verrucosus itself made headlines in 2020 when researchers documented it as a mycoendophyte of Croton bonplandianus and a potential source of bioactive metabolites active against multidrug-resistant pathogens and cancer cells. None of this industrial or pharmacological relevance implies pathogenicity, a distinction the authors are careful to draw.

Where might a pet dog have encountered such a fungus? Environmental studies of composting offer a suggestive clue. Research on organic waste and manure composting has documented substantial shifts in fungal community composition as physicochemical conditions change, with thermophilic and thermotolerant fungi, exactly the ecological guild to which many Corynascus species belong, flourishing in these habitats. Composting environments and similar organic-material settings may therefore serve as reservoirs of environmentally adapted fungal taxa. The Tehran patient’s outdoor lifestyle, unsanitary surroundings and regular contact with soil and vegetation provided ample opportunity for exposure. Still, the authors emphasize that phylogenetic relatedness does not imply shared biological function or pathogenic potential, and that genetic similarity alone should never be read as evidence of a shared disease-causing role.

The clinical narrative, however, lends weight to a genuine association rather than a chance contaminant. The same fungal species was recovered on three independent cultures from the lesion, no bacterial growth was detected, and mite infestation was excluded. The dog was treated with oral ketoconazole combined with ketoconazole shampoo, receiving four weekly medicated baths. The itching and redness resolved within about a month, hair regrowth followed, and a uniform coat had returned approximately six months after treatment began. Over a nine-month follow-up period, the original cutaneous signs never recurred. The combination of repeated isolation, exclusion of other pathogens, molecular identification and clinical improvement following antifungal therapy supports, though it does not prove, a causal link.

That caution about proof is the intellectual heart of the report. Because histopathological examination was never performed, tissue invasion by the fungus could not be demonstrated directly, and the authors explicitly frame the finding as an association rather than definitive evidence of causality. Their broader message concerns method: for uncommon environmental fungi recovered from veterinary specimens, accurate identification demands a polyphasic approach that integrates morphology, ITS sequencing and phylogenetic placement rather than relying on any single line of evidence. Molecular methods can rescue isolates that fail to produce characteristic reproductive structures in culture, but they carry their own biases and limited discriminatory power, as the near-identical ITS sequences of C. verrucosus and C. sepedonium illustrate. By expanding the documented occurrence of C. verrucosus to a canine cutaneous lesion, the case adds a small but genuinely novel data point to veterinary mycology and a reminder that the fungal world’s opportunists may be more numerous, and better camouflaged, than current diagnostics routinely reveal.

Subject of Research: A rare case of cutaneous infection by the environmental fungus Corynascus verrucosus in a Shih Tzu dog, identified through molecular and phylogenetic analysis.

Article Title: A Rare Case of Cutaneous Infection by Corynascus verrucosus in a Shih Tzu Dog: Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis

Article References: Ghahremani, M., Sharifzadeh, A., Ashrafi Tamai, I., & Faridfar, G. (2026). A Rare Case of Cutaneous Infection by Corynascus verrucosus in a Shih Tzu Dog: Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 12(5), Article e71205. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.71205

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1002/vms3.71205

Keywords: Corynascus verrucosus, veterinary mycology, canine dermatology, fungal infection, ITS sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, Chaetomiaceae, dermatophytosis, Shih Tzu, molecular identification, environmental fungi, ketoconazole treatment