Taxonomy and ecology ofDactylella iridis: Its redescription as an entomogeneous and nematode-capturing hyphomycete

Trinacrium iridis, Dactylella ramiformis, and our own isolates obtained from a dead midge were proved to be a single species by means of morphological, ecological and DNA homology studies. The simple-pore septal ultrastructure and Q-10 (2H) ubiquinone of this fungus revealed its ascomycetous affinity. Morphological and ecological characteristics of this species led it to be accomodated in the genusDactylella. The fungus is redescribed here, because the combined nameD. iridis has been defectively issued. We have corrected nomenclatural errors and described all characteristics of this species.Dactylella iridis produces three types of conidia; Y-shaped aquatic, cylindrical aerial or terrestrial, and ellitical secondary conidia. The production of the former two types of conidia is enhanced by wetting mycellia grown on a sterilized midge body on silkworm, chrysalis extract agar plates. All the strains examined have a predatory behavior on nematodes. Thus, the fungus has versatile talents for aquatic, terrestrial, saprophytic, entomogenous and nematophagous lives.