The polyphyletic nature of Paecilomyces sensu lato based on 18S-generated rDNA phylogeny

Nuclear-encoded small-subunit ribosomal DNA was used to examine phylogenetic relationships in Paecilomyces sensu lato. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S nr DNA demonstrates that Paecilomyces is polyphyletic across two subclasses, Sordariomycetidae and Eurotiomycetidae. The type species, Paecilomyces variotii, and thermophilic relatives belong in the order Eurotiales (Trichocomaceae), while mesophilic species related to Paecilomyces farinosus are in the order Hypocreales (Clavicipitaceae and Hypocreaceae). One species, Paecilomyces inflatus, had affinities for the order Sordariales. Within the Eurotiales, Paecilomyces is monophyletic. Within the Hypocreales, species of Paecilomyces are polyphyletic, although the data failed to fully resolve these relationships.