XVI International Botanical Congess
We report on the first survey of Trichomycetes in Puerto Rico, June 15-22, 1998. Various arthropods (including beetles, millipedes, larval dipterans, amphipods, intertidal isopods and crabs) were collected and their gut fungi identified after dissection. From our very brief and limited survey it appears, subject to further studies, that the island possesses a low diversity of these fungi compared with many continental areas. However, our results provide important information as we develop a knowledge and understanding of the geographic ranges and distributions of these fungi, especially considering the current focus on global biodiversity. We highlight the ease with which Trichomycetes may be found by those who seek them and the need for continued pursuit of these understudied but fascinating fungi worldwide.