This site presents descriptions and over 500 images for the 30 species of Hypomyces that represent a majority of the Hypomyces found in temperate regions. Most of these species have a pleomorphic life cycle, although some of the agaricicolous ones lack a known anamorph. Many of the tropical species are still poorly known and will be added to this site in the future. Likewise, we plan eventually to incorporate the many related anamorphic species that are accommodated in the anamorph genera of Cladobotryum, Mycogone and Sepedonium but are evidently derived from Hypomyces.

The key and descriptions are derived from a database developed in DELTA that currently includes about 100 characters. Characters that are invariable in Hypomyces are discussed in the overview of the genus but are not included in species descriptions. To develop the interactive key 37 diagnostic characters were chosen. These represent characters that are easily observed in most of the taxa. They are divided into three groups: teleomorph, anamorph and cultural characters. In this way the user who often finds only the anamorph or the teleomorph in nature can move directly to the most useful group of characters. Thus, the identification process is independent of the order of characters used.

Browsers supported: This site has been tested using Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.0, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 for Mac, and Netscape Navigator 4.x and 6. It is best viewed with the monitor resolution set to 800 x 600 or higher. JavaScript, frames, and non-persistent (per-session) cookies must be enabled.

Suggested citation: Põldmaa, K., Farr, D.F., & McCray, E.B. Hypomyces Online, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved March 19, 2010, from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/taxadescriptions/keys/HypomycesIndex.cfm