Podospora macrodecipiens
species of fungi
Podospora macrodecipiens is a species of coprophilous (dung-loving) fungus in the family Podosporaceae. It was discovered in Antiparos in Greece, where it was found growing on sheep dung.
Taxonomy
Podospora macrodecipiens was formally described by the mycologist Michael J. Richardson in 2008, following the collection and incubation of dung samples from various Greek Aegean islands. The species name macrodecipiens is derived from the Greek prefix "macro-", meaning large, and refers explicitly to the significantly larger spores compared to the closely related species, Podospora decipiens. Richardson established the new species after examining material that consistently exhibited larger spores than those previously known in this genus. The type specimen was collected on sheep dung from Antiparos, and additional specimens considered as paratypes were obtained from other islands, including Naxos, Crete, and Kos.
Description
Podospora macrodecipiens is found predominantly growing on the dung of herbivorous animals. The species is similar in many ways to the closely related Podospora decipiens but can be distinguished primarily by its distinctly larger spores. The spores of P. macrodecipiens typically measure between 51–58 μm in length and 22.5–27.3 μm in width, which is significantly larger compared to those of P. decipiens.
The fungus produces dark-coloured perithecia, which are small flask-shaped fruiting bodies partially embedded within the dung substrate.
Begin with the source’s own compact description: “Podospora macrodecipiens” is species of fungi. The dossier treats that line as a proposition to test through Podospora, macrodecipiens and species, not as a finished interpretation.
Why this record matters
The phrase “species of fungi” supplies a clear boundary for inquiry. It also exposes the unanswered questions: who defined that boundary, when it became stable and which sources sit outside it.
The date and method of observation matter as much as the stated conclusion, especially where classification or consensus has changed. The source revision retrieved here is dated Apr 8, 2025. The linked authority identifier is Q108268110. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 2008.
Scientific names, classifications and consensus can change while older terminology persists in catalogues and historical literature. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Check terminology, classification and the date of the cited evidence. Scientific names and technical consensus can change while older records retain historical value.
- Current terminology
- Classification context
- Finding cited technical literature
Primary datasets, specimen catalogues, standards bodies and the most recent peer-reviewed literature.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Podospora macrodecipiens”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Podospora macrodecipiens primary sources, Podospora macrodecipiens archive and Podospora research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Podospora macrodecipiens”?
- Has classification or technical consensus changed since the cited source?
- Is the terminology current, historical or disputed?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Podospora macrodecipiens” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.