Published 1973-01-01
Abstract
The Trichomycetes is a class of fungi found as endocemmensals attached to the chitinous gut linings of a wide range of marine, freshwater and terrestrial arthropods. The relationship between fungus and host, the taxonomic affinities of the class and the geographical distribution of these fungi are points of current interest in our laboratory. The unique ecological niche of the trichomycetes and the present inability to culture all but two genera of the class have contributed to their general obscurity. A prerequisite for any investigation of the trichomycetes is a close proximity to suitable host habitats. Dr. Robert W. Lichtwardt, on previous visits to Jackson Hole Biological Research Station (1960, 1961, 1965, 1970) has indicated the presence of many trichomycete species in the Grand Teton National Park, several collection sites being the type localities of genera and species (Lichtwardt, R. W. 1972. Undescribed genera and species of Harpellales [Trichomycetes] from the guts of aquatic insects. Mycologia 64 (1): 167-197). Project Number 193.