A systematic reassessment of the marine ascomycetes Torpedospora and Swampomyces

Torpedospora and Swampomyces have not been classified into any family or order with certainty. Results, based on individual and combined analyses of the partial small and large subunit rRNA gene sequences, indicate that Torpedospora and Swampomyces form a monophyletic clade and group within the subclass Hypocreomycetidae, Sordariomycetes. Torpedospora is distantly related, morphologically and phylogenetically, to the Halosphaeriales. Swampomyces shows no affinities with the Phyllachorales despite earlier assignment to that order. These findings suggest a new lineage of marine ascomycetes that have invaded the sea. Torpedospora and Swampomyces share few morphological features in common, although clustering in the same clade. Based on morphology and sequence evidence, we suggest their referral as the Hypocreomycetidae incertae sedis, Sordariomycetes, until further information is available.