Abstract
One species of each of five genera of Harpellales—Gauthieromyces, Harpella, Legeriomyces, Stachylina and Zygopolaris—are reported for the first time from India. Gauthieromyces indicus is described from the hindguts of Baetis sp. nymphs. The new species is distinguished from the only other species, G. microsporus Lichtw., by having a greater number of and smaller generative cells per fertile branchlet with smaller trichospores that bear fine, entangled appendages. Occurrence of these fungi in India supports the observation that some genera and species of Trichomycetes are widespread but with apparent disjunct distributions.
Generous support of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, through a project (DST No. SP/50/A 75/98) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors are grateful for the work of Professor Robert W. Lichtwardt who read the manuscript , made suggestions and was a constant source of encouragement and guidance for one of us (JKM) in Trichomycetes research. We also are grateful for the work of Dr Merlin M. White who aided host identification. We thank Dr Patricia Eckel for the Latin translation of descriptions of the new species, Drs Boris C. Kondratieff and Peter Adler for identifying the hosts and college authorities for logistical support.