Taxonomic Position of the Eccrinales and Related Fungi

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Abstract
Adiscussion of the comparative morphology and biology of the Trichomycetes is presented. These fungi are obligate commensals with a wide geographical range, mostly living within the guts of a variety of living terrestrial, fresh-water, or marine arthropods (insects, Crustacea, diplopods). Five orders and 7 families are recognized: Amoebidiales (Amoebidiaceae, Paramoebidia-ceae), Eccrinales (Eccrinaceae, Palavasciaceae), Harpellales (Harpel-laceae), Asellariales (Asellariaceae), and Genistellales (Genistellaceae). It is concluded that the Trichomycetes are true fungi, and that the 5 orders may comprise an integral taxon. Their coenocytism and production of sporangia and zygospores indicate affinities to the Phycomycetes, particularly to the subclass Zygomycetes. However, present concepts of this subclass do not permit incorporation of the Trichomycetes in the Zygomycetes, and it is suggested that the Trichomycetes at present are best treated taxonomically as a separate subclass of the Phycomycetes.

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