Genus humidophila from caves in Serbia with an improved detailed description of rare H. brekkaensoides
2020
Phototrophic microorganisms can be found in biofilms at entrances to caves
where they have access to sufficient sunlight, water and nutrients; however,
they can also be found inside caves, where they are carried by animals and
people, and can proliferate in the presence of artificial light. Although
the genus Humidophila includes some well-known cosmopolitan species, further
exploration of its rare, insufficiently investigated representatives in
different geographical areas and unusual habitats is necessary. Caves remain
unknown, little-explored habitats, and many species currently known to
science were recorded for the first time. This study aimed to report species
belonging to the genus Humidophila that were identified in 19 caves in
Serbia. A total of ten species of this genus were recorded and some of them
are documented for the first time in Serbia. The most abundant species were
H. contenta (found in 16 caves), H. paracontenta, and H. aerophila (found in
13 caves), whereas H. pyrenaica was identified in only one cave. The rare
species, H. brekkaensoides and H. vidalii, were also documented and
described, but with different dimensions from those provided in current
identification keys. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 176018, Grant no. 176020, Grant no.
37009, and Project FP7 “Capacities” Program]
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