Trichomaris invadens gen. et sp. nov., an ascomycete parasite of the tanner crab ( Chionoecetes bairdi Rathbun Crustacea; Brachyura)

Trichomaris invadens Hibbits, Hughes and Sparks, gen. et sp. nov., an apparent obligate parasite of the tanner crab, Chionoecetes bairdi Rathbun, is described. This marine ascomycete is characterized by black, globose, aparaphysate perithecia borne on and in a subiculum of darkly pigmented encrustin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Botany
Main Authors: Hibbits, Jolly, Hughes, Gilbert C., Sparks, Albert K.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1981
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/b81-276
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/b81-276
Description
Summary:Trichomaris invadens Hibbits, Hughes and Sparks, gen. et sp. nov., an apparent obligate parasite of the tanner crab, Chionoecetes bairdi Rathbun, is described. This marine ascomycete is characterized by black, globose, aparaphysate perithecia borne on and in a subiculum of darkly pigmented encrusting hyphae on the exterior of the carapaces and appendages of host crabs; by two-celled ascospores bearing an unusually long, hairlike appendage at either end; and by internal hyphal invasion and destruction of host tissues following penetration of the carapace. Trichomaris invadens is the first pyrenomycete known to parasitize a marine crustacean. Observations on the pathogenicity of the fungus are included.