First record of the family Micromitriaceae (Bryophyta) in Argentina

Soledad Jimenez, Pablo Calzada — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The first record of Micromitriaceae Smyth ex Goffinet & Budke, represented by Micromitrium wrightii (Müll. Hal.) Crosby, is reported for northern Argentina. Micromitriaceae are a monotypic family of cleistocarpic, ephemeral mosses, separated from the Ephemeraceae J.W.Griff. & Henfr. by molecular analyses. This family is distinguished by the presence of a minute calyptra, a dehiscence line on the capsule, and the absence of stomata. Micromitrium wrightii is a cleistocarpic species characterized by the small size of the plants, linear-lanceolate leaves, the proximal ones weakly costate, irregularly rhomboidal and smooth laminal cells; a persistent calyptra, and large spores. Based on samples collected in Río Pilcomayo National Park reserve (Formosa – Argentina), the monotypic family Micromitriaceae, represented by Micromitrium wrightii, is reported for the first time in Argentina. A complete description with illustration under Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, and a dichotomous key to distinguish this taxon with related species of the Ephemeraceae, are presented here.

Uncovering hidden biodiversity: over 40 new records of pyrenocarpous lichens for the Philippines

Ermalene Catipan Taer, André Aptroot, Victor Bucad Amoroso, Manuela Dal Forno — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As part of ongoing efforts to document the lichen biota of the southern Philippines, we report 41 additional species as new records for the country, of which 14 are new to Southeast Asia and 4 species are new to Asia. The Philippine archipelago now emerges as one of the hotspots of pyrenocarpous lichens in Southeast Asia, with an updated list of 224 species, encompassing 39 genera and 10 families. Given the accelerating habitat loss and sporadic attention for lichens in the country, our findings underscore the urgent need for continued biodiversity exploration efforts not only to catalogue the lichen diversity but also to integrate these underrepresented organisms into broader conservation planning essential for supporting the ecological integrity of Philippine forests.

Folia Cryptogamica Estonica

First record of the family Micromitriaceae (Bryophyta) in Argentina

Uncovering hidden biodiversity: over 40 new records of pyrenocarpous lichens for the Philippines