Coniocybe Ach. Revisited.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Lichenology
• Fungal Taxonomy

Background:

• Calicioids are a group of fungi characterized by stalked ascomata, resembling the lichen genus Calicium.
• Historically, calicioid classification relied on morphology and secondary chemistry.
• The advent of molecular data has prompted a re-evaluation of calicioid taxonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the fungal genus Coniocybe using a comprehensive dataset.
• To clarify the phylogenetic position of Coniocybe within ascomycetous fungi.
• To provide an updated taxonomic framework for the genus Coniocybe.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis using three gene loci: ITS, LSU, and rpb1.
• Broad geographical sampling for comprehensive species representation.
• Integration of molecular data with morphological assessments.

Main Results:

• The genus Coniocybe was revised and emended.
• Coniocybe brachypoda and C. confusa were included in the revised genus.
• A new species, Coniocybe eufuracea, was described.
• A total of 52 new sequences were generated for phylogenetic analysis.
• A dichotomous key for identifying Coniocybe species was developed.

Conclusions:

• The revision based on molecular and morphological data provides a more robust classification of Coniocybe.
• The study expands the known diversity within the Coniocybe genus.
• The provided key facilitates accurate identification of Coniocybe species.