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Syzygospora Species: Mycoparasites of the Fungal World

The genus Syzygospora comprises a fascinating group of fungi known for their mycoparasitic lifestyle, meaning they parasitize other fungi. These fungi induce a range of unusual growths on their hosts, often resulting in gelatinous or tumor-like formations.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Syzygospora G.W. Martin, Jnal of the Washington Academy of Science 27: 112 (1937)
• Family: Syzygosporaceae or Carcinomycetaceae (depending on the species)
• Division: Basidiomycota
• Order: Tremellales

Some key species within this genus include:

• Syzygospora bachmannii Diederich & M.S. Christ.
• Syzygospora effibulata (Ginns & Sunhede) Ginns
• Syzygospora lapponica
• Syzygospora mycetophila (Peck) Ginns, Mycologia 78(4): 629 (1986)
• Syzygospora nivalis C. J. Chen et al.
• Syzygospora pallida (Hauerslev) Ginns
• Syzygospora parmeliicola Diederich
• Syzygospora physciacearum Diederich &amp M. S. Christ.
• Syzygospora sorana Hauerslev
• Syzygospora tumefaciens (Ginns &amp Sunhede) Ginns

Synonyms and alternative names:

• Tremella mycetophila Peck (historical name for Syzygospora mycetophila)
• Carcinomyces mycetophilus (Peck) Oberw. &amp Bandoni (for Syzygospora mycetophila)

Note that there might be confusion about the correct family classification between Syzygosporaceae and Carcinomycetaceae.

Syzygospora mycetophila (Collybia Jelly)

• Common Name: Collybia Jelly
• This species parasitizes Gymnopus dryophilus (formerly Collybia dryophila), causing pale, jelly-like growths to form on the host's stem, gills, and cap.

Distribution and Habitat

• Syzygospora species have a wide distribution, found in various locations, including:
  • Finland (Syzygospora lapponica)
  • North America (Syzygospora mycetophila)
  • Britain and Ireland (Syzygospora physciacearum)
  • Netherlands (Syzygospora physciacearum)
  • Mexico (Syzygospora alba)
• Specific distribution information can sometimes be found on distribution maps, such as those available for Syzygospora bachmannii.

Ecological Role

• Syzygospora species are mycoparasites, playing a role in regulating fungal populations.
• Some species, such as Syzygospora physciacearum, are lichenicolous fungi, parasitizing lichens.

Morphological Characteristics

• Syzygospora nivalis has tremelloid and gyrose basidiocarps, measuring 0.5-2 cm, with a soft-gelatinous texture.
• Syzygospora mycetophila induces jelly-like or tumor-like growths on its host.

Genetic Information

• Some species, such as Syzygospora effibulata, have available genetic sequence data, including 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences and internal transcribed spacer regions. These sequences are useful for phylogenetic studies and species identification.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Syzygospora species parasitize various fungi, including:
  • Gymnopus dryophilus (Syzygospora mycetophila)
  • Laccaria laccata (Syzygospora tumefaciens)
  • Various lichens (e.g., Syzygospora physciacearum on Physcia species)
• They can also interact with other lichenicolous fungi.

Resources and Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life (EOL): Provides information on various Syzygospora species.
• Discover Life: Offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Syzygospora mycetophila.
• GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Provides data on Syzygospora occurrences.
• NCBI Taxonomy: Offers taxonomic information on Syzygospora effibulata and other species.
• Catalogue of Life: Provides checklist information on Syzygospora.
• MycoKey: Includes a fungal gallery with images of Syzygospora mycetophila.
• AmericanMushrooms.com: Offers photos of Syzygospora mycetophila (Collybia Jelly).
• British Mycological Society: Provides a checklist of fungal names.
• Mycological Society of Toronto: A resource for amateur mycologists interested in wild mushrooms.