Sclerococcum aptrootii

Sclerococcum aptrootii
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Ascomycota
Class:	Eurotiomycetes
Order:	Sclerococcales
Family:	Dactylosporaceae
Genus:	Sclerococcum
Species:	S. aptrootii
Binomial name
Sclerococcum aptrootii Diederich (2015)

Sclerococcum aptrootii is a species of lichenicolous fungus in the family Dactylosporaceae. Found in Puerto Rico, it was formally described as a new species in 2015 by Belgian mycologist Paul Diederich. The type specimen was collected in Maricao State Forest north of Sabana Grande (Mayagüez), at an altitude of 800 m (2,600 ft); here, in a low mountain forest, it was found growing on the lichen Fissurina dumastii. It is only known to occur at the type locality. The fungus forms black, rounded sporodochia that measure 50–100 μm in diameter; it does not otherwise damage the host. The species epithet honours Dutch lichenologist André Aptroot, who collected the type in 1989.