''Hypomyces'' is a

genus Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...

of parasitic

ascomycete Ascomycota is a phylum of the kingdom Fungi that, together with the Basidiomycota, forms the subkingdom Dikarya. Its members are commonly known as the sac fungi or ascomycetes. It is the largest phylum of Fungi, with over 64,000 species. The def ...

fungi found in Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of China. The genus contains 53 species. Better known species include the

lobster mushroom ''Hypomyces lactifluorum'', or the lobster mushroom, is a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on certain species of mushrooms, turning them a reddish orange color that resembles the outer shell of a cooked lobster. Contrary to its common name, ...

(''Hypomyces lactifluorum'') and the

bolete eater ''Hypomyces chrysospermus'', the bolete eater, is a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on bolete mushrooms, turning the afflicted host a whitish, golden yellow, or tan color. It is found in Eurasia and North America, as well as southwest West ...

(''Hypomyces chrysospermus'').

List of noteworthy species

* '' H. cervinigenus''on ''

Helvella lacunosa ''Helvella lacunosa'', known as the slate grey saddle or fluted black elfin saddle in North America, simply as the elfin saddle in Britain, is an ascomycete fungus of the family Helvellaceae. It is one of the most common species in the genus '' ...

''. * '' H. chrysospermus''Bolete Eater, Cask fungus (Eurasia, Western Australia, North America) * '' H. hyalinus''Amanita "mold" (North America) * '' H. lactifluorum''Lobster mushroom (North America) * '' H. lateritius''Ochre gillgobbler, pathogen of ''

Lactarius ''Lactarius'' is a genus of mushroom-producing, ectomycorrhizal fungi, containing several Edible mushroom, edible species. The species of the genus, common name, commonly known as milk-caps, are characterized by the milky fluid ("latex") they ex ...

'' species. * '' H. luteovirens''Yellow-green Russula "mold" (North America) * '' H. transformans''Ramaria Eater (North America)

Ecology

All ''Hypomyces'' species live as parasites on other fungi. The fruiting bodies of hypomyces are inconspicuous and generally consist of a cystic shell that is only about 1 mm in diameter and height. These fruiting bodies often cluster on the fruiting bodies of other host fungi, transforming the shape and color of the host into something different from the host's original appearance. The most commonly recognized form is the one in which the host's fruiting body is integrated with the cystic shell of the hypomyces.

Shape

The individual fungi bodies are finely grained, and many of them exhibit long, narrow ellipsoids under magnification. Their diameter and height are usually about 1 to 2 mm. In general,

hypha A hypha (; ) is a long, branching, filamentous structure of a fungus, oomycete, or actinobacterium. In most fungi, hyphae are the main mode of vegetative growth, and are collectively called a mycelium. Structure A hypha consists of one o ...

e are spread on the surface of a host fruit body and buried in the mycelium to form a large number of fruiting bodies. These can be yellow, white, olive, tan, pink or red, and present within the host or in the hypha mat. The individual fruiting bodies are microscopically granular, and under a magnifying glass, many of them show elongated ellipsoid shapes, and are usually only 1–2 mm in diameter and height. Generally, hyphae are spread on the surface of a host fruiting body and buried in the mycelium to form a large number of fruiting bodies. The color of the fruiting bodies themselves or the mycelial mat covering the host surface can be yellow, white, olive, yellowish brown, pink, or red. Countless of asci form inside each fruiting body, which are then ejected into the outside world through the hole at the tip of the fruiting body. The asci formed inside the fruiting body is elongated and cylindrical, with a dome-shaped structure called the "apical cap" at the tip. Eight spores are formed inside each ascus. The spores are generally somewhat angular and ellipsoid, and in many species are separated by a single septum, usually colorless to pale yellow, with thick cell walls and wart-like or bump-like patterns on the surface. Some species have horn-shaped or cap-shaped "appendages" at both ends of the spores.

Life cycle

Most species reproduce asexually. Asexual regeneration spores are generally referred to as thick-wall spores, as they have thick cell walls presumably to maintain a system of dormancy and endurance. However, the precise mechanisms of spore reproduction, specifically the methods used to find and infest hosts is largely unknown.

Hosts

Each species of fungus in the genus Hypomyces has a general preference for the type of host it prefers. In addition to afflicting terrestrial mushrooms of the genera ''

Amanita The genus ''Amanita'' contains about 600 species of agarics, including some of the most toxic known mushrooms found worldwide, as well as some well-regarded Edible mushroom, edible species (and many species of unknown edibility). The genus is re ...

'', ''

Russula ''Russula'' is a very large genus composed of around 750 worldwide species of fungi. The genus was described by Christian Hendrik Persoon in 1796. The mushrooms are fairly large, and brightly colored – making them one of the most recognizable ...

'', ''

Lactifluus ''Lactifluus'' is one of three genera of mushroom-forming fungi containing species commonly named " milk-caps", the others being ''Lactarius'' and '' Multifurca''. It has been separated from ''Lactarius'' based on molecular phylogenetic evidence ...

'', ''

Suillus ''Suillus'' is a genus of basidiomycete fungi in the family Suillaceae and order Boletales. Species in the genus are associated with trees in the pine family (Pinaceae), and are mostly distributed in temperate locations in the Northern Hemisphe ...

'', ''

Xerocomus ''Xerocomus'' is a genus of poroid fungi related to ''Boletus''. Most members of ''Xerocomus'' are edible mushroom, edible, though of mediocre gastronomical value and inferior to the sought-after Boletus edulis, porcini. Taxonomy Many mycol ...

'', and ''

Boletus ''Boletus'' is a genus of mushroom-producing fungi, comprising over 100 species. The genus ''Boletus'' was originally broadly defined and described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, essentially containing all fungi with hymenial pores instead of gills. ...

'', other fungi that form hard, cork-like fruiting bodies on trees, such as ''

Trametes ''Trametes'' is a genus of fungi that is distinguished by a pileate basidiocarp, di- to trimitic hyphal systems, smooth non-dextrinoid spores, and a hymenium usually without true hymenial cystidia.Ryvarden L. (1991). "Genera of polypores: Nomenc ...

'' and ''

Stereum ''Stereum'' is the type genus of the Stereaceae family of fungi, in the Russulales order. Common names for species of this genus include leaf fungus, wax fungus, and shelf fungus. Fungi having a shape similar to a ''Stereum'' are said to have a s ...

'', can also serve as hosts. ''

Auricularia auricula-judae ''Auricularia auricula-judae'', commonly known as wood ear, jelly ear or, more historically, Jew's ear, is a species of fungus in the order Auriculariales. Basidiocarps (fruit bodies) are brown, gelatinous, and have a noticeably ear-like shap ...

'' that produce colloidal fruiting bodies, and

Pezizaceae The Pezizaceae (commonly referred to as cup fungi) are a family of fungi in the Ascomycota which produce mushrooms that tend to grow in the shape of a "cup". Spores are formed on the inner surface of the fruit body ( ascoma). The cup shape typi ...

belonging to the ascomycote fungi (e.g., ''

Helvella ''Helvella'' is a genus of ascomycete fungus of the family Helvellaceae. The mushrooms, commonly known as elfin saddles, are identified by their irregularly shaped caps, fluted stems, and fuzzy undersurfaces. They are found in North America and ...

'', ''

Humaria ''Humaria'' is a genus of fungi in the family Pyronemataceae. The genus is widespread in northern temperate areas, and contains 16 species. The genus was circumscribed by Karl Wilhelm Gottlieb Leopold Fuckel Karl Wilhelm Gottlieb Leopold Fucke ...

'', and ''

Leotia ''Leotia'' is a genus of cup fungi of the division Ascomycota. ''Leotia'' species are globally distributed, and are believed to be ectomycorrhizal. They are commonly known as ''jelly babies'' because of the gelatinous texture of their fruiting b ...

'') are also known to serve as hosts. When infected by ''Hypomyces'', the cap, or pileus of ''Amanita'' mushrooms do not develop properly, instead becoming deformed and stunted, often resembling human male genitalia. In those of the genus ''Russula'', the gaps between the folds of the host's

lamella Lamella (: lamellae) means a small plate or flake in Latin, and in English may refer to: Biology * Lamella (mycology), a papery rib beneath a mushroom cap * Lamella (botany) * Lamella (surface anatomy), a plate-like structure in an animal * Lame ...

are filled with mycelium of ''Hypomyces'', showing ridged marks. In the genera ''Xerocomus'', and ''Boletus'', the development of the mushroom cap is often suppressed and the tubular pores formed on the underside of the host's lamellae are also filled with mycelium of ''Hypomyces''. In any case, the host mushroom's own spore formation and dispersal are hindered, or entirely prevented from occurring.

Distribution

Species of Hypomyces have been found in Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of China. There are at least 19 species recorded in Japan.

Edibility

Hypomyces lactifluorum ''Hypomyces lactifluorum'', or the lobster mushroom, is a parasitic Ascomycota, ascomycete fungus that grows on certain species of mushrooms, turning them a reddish orange color that resembles the outer shell of a cooked lobster. Contrary to its ...

, whose main hosts are Russula and Lactifluus, is commonly called lobster mushroom in North America and United Kingdom. Depending on the type of mushroom that was parasitized, the cap may be very bitter, and in some cases inedible. If edible, it is often eaten stewed in cream sauce, fried, as a salad ingredient, or as an ingredient in pasta dishes. This species is also found in Japan.

Other species

*'' Hypomyces agaricola'' *'' Hypomyces albidus'' *'' Hypomyces albus'' *'' Hypomyces amaurodermatis'' *'' Hypomyces apiculatus'' *'' Hypomyces apiosporus'' *'' Hypomyces arachnoideus'' *'' Hypomyces arecae'' *'' Hypomyces arenaceus'' *'' Hypomyces armeniacus'' *'' Hypomyces asclepiadis'' *'' Hypomyces ater'' *'' Hypomyces aurantiicolor'' *'' Hypomyces aurantius'' *'' Hypomyces auriculariicola'' *''

Hypomyces australbidus ''Hypomyces'' is a genus of parasitic ascomycete fungi found in Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of China. The genus contains 53 species. Better known species include the lobster mushroom (''Hypomyces lactifluorum'') and the bolete eat ...

Hypomyces chrysospermus ''Hypomyces chrysospermus'', the bolete eater, is a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on bolete mushrooms, turning the afflicted host a whitish, golden yellow, or tan color. It is found in Eurasia and North America, as well as southwest West ...

'' *'' Hypomyces completus'' *'' Hypomyces conviva'' *'' Hypomyces corticiicola'' *'' Hypomyces dactylarioides'' *'' Hypomyces deformans'' *'' Hypomyces destruens-equi'' *'' Hypomyces ekmanii'' *'' Hypomyces epimyces'' *'' Hypomyces favoli'' *'' Hypomyces flavescens'' *'' Hypomyces flavolanatus'' *'' Hypomyces floccosus'' *'' Hypomyces fulgens'' *'' Hypomyces fusisporus'' *'' Hypomyces galericola'' *'' Hypomyces goroshankianus'' *'' Hypomyces hrubyanus'' *'' Hypomyces hyacinthi'' *'' Hypomyces hyalinus'' *'' Hypomyces inaequalis'' *'' Hypomyces insignis'' *'' Hypomyces javanicus'' *'' Hypomyces khaoyaiensis'' *''

'' *'' Hypomyces laeticolor'' *''

Hypomyces lateritius ''Hypomyces lateritius'', the ochre gillgobbler, is a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on certain species of ''Lactarius'' mushrooms, improving their flavor and densifying the flesh. Hosts include '' L. camphoratus'', '' L. chelidonium, L ...

Hypomyces pseudocorticiicola ''Hypomyces'' is a genus of parasitic ascomycete fungi found in Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of China. The genus contains 53 species. Better known species include the lobster mushroom (''Hypomyces lactifluorum'') and the bolete eat ...

'' *'' Hypomyces pseudopolyporinus'' *'' Hypomyces psiloti'' *''

Hypomyces puertoricensis ''Hypomyces'' is a genus of parasitic ascomycete fungi found in Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of China. The genus contains 53 species. Better known species include the lobster mushroom (''Hypomyces lactifluorum'') and the bolete eat ...

'' *'' Hypomyces purpureus'' *'' Hypomyces robledoi'' *'' Hypomyces rosellus'' *'' Hypomyces rostratus'' *'' Hypomyces rubi'' *'' Hypomyces semitranslucens'' *'' Hypomyces sepulchralis'' *'' Hypomyces sepultariae'' *'' Hypomyces siamensis'' *'' Hypomyces sibirinae'' *'' Hypomyces spadiceus'' *'' Hypomyces stephanomatis'' *'' Hypomyces stereicola'' *'' Hypomyces stuhlmannii'' *'' Hypomyces subaurantius'' *''

Hypomyces subiculosus ''Hypomyces'' is a genus of parasitic ascomycete fungi found in Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of China. The genus contains 53 species. Better known species include the lobster mushroom (''Hypomyces lactifluorum'') and the bolete eat ...

'' *'' Hypomyces succineus'' *'' Hypomyces sulphureus'' *'' Hypomyces sympodiophorus'' *''

Hypomyces tegillum ''Hypomyces'' is a genus of parasitic ascomycete fungi found in Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of China. The genus contains 53 species. Better known species include the lobster mushroom (''Hypomyces lactifluorum'') and the bolete eat ...

'' *'' Hypomyces terrestris'' *'' Hypomyces thailandicus'' *'' Hypomyces thiryanus'' *'' Hypomyces tomentosus'' *'' Hypomyces torminosus'' *''

Hypomyces transformans ''Hypomyces'' is a genus of parasitic ascomycete fungi found in Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of China. The genus contains 53 species. Better known species include the lobster mushroom (''Hypomyces lactifluorum'') and the bolete e ...

'' *'' Hypomyces trichoderma'' *'' Hypomyces triseptatus'' *'' Hypomyces tubericola'' *'' Hypomyces tuberosus'' *'' Hypomyces tulasneanus'' *'' Hypomyces vanbruntianus'' *'' Hypomyces vandae'' *'' Hypomyces villosus'' *'' Hypomyces viridigriseus'' *'' Hypomyces viridis'' *'' Hypomyces volemi'' *'' Hypomyces vuilleminianus'' *'' Hypomyces xyloboli'' *'' Hypomyces xylophilus''

References

External links

{{Taxonbar, from=Q5951106 Sordariomycetes genera Parasitic fungi Hypocreaceae Science and technology articles needing translation from Japanese Wikipedia Taxa named by Elias Magnus Fries