Hypomyces

Hypomyces s.l. is the largest and most conspicuous group of ascomycetes growing exclusively on sporomata (=fruitbodies) of fungi. Hypomyces infections are generally easy to recognize as the host mushrooms become covered by whitish mycelium that may turn into various colours, depending on the parasite species.

You can learn more on the genus from the materials below.

Most of the records of Hypomyces s.l. occurring on mushrooms in Europe in public databases originate from Northern Europe. Therefore, we are particularly calling for sampling in the more southern and western regions of Europe to clarify distribution and hosts of Hypomyces there. Rare or cryptic/overlooked species are expected to be searched for across Europe.

Habitats of Hypomyces are as diverse as their host taxa. The highest diversity has been encountered on polypores – a group that will not be included in this campaign (yet welcoming all material the participants spot and are willing to collect and send us). Mushrooms infected by Hypomyces mostly grow in forests of various types. As majority of such hosts form ectomycorrhizae, their distribution is determined by that of their tree symbiont. Species parasitizing on members of Geoglossaceae can be found in grasslands.