Polyphasic identification and taxonomy of species within the dermatophyte genus Arthroderma including A. fimbriatum sp. nov and A. cellariae sp. nov
Arthroderma is a uniquely diverse genus within the dermatophyte family (Onygenales, Arthrodermatataceae) predominantly including geophilic species often associated with animal burrows, where they feed on keratinous debris. The BCCM/IHEM fungi collection contains an extensive number of Arthroderma strains, in this study we attempt to characterize and classify them according to the most recent taxonomic standards. Employing a polyphasic approach, we conducted phenotypic analyses and multi-gene phylogenetic inference, comprising the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), ß-tubulin, and retinol-binding protein 2 (RBP2) regions, and Maldi-ToF spectrometry to refine species delineations. A particular emphasis is placed on the highly diverse A. quadrifidum clade, which contains both geophilic and zoophilic species, assessing the phylogenetic position of recently described taxa within this group.  In total, 77 strains from the BCCM/IHEM collection were (re-)examined  and judged to comprise 21 distinct species. Furthermore, certain isolates did not match any previously described biological species, and two cryptic species are discovered, described, and typified in this study.