Irpex lacteus has been described as a new species so many times that it carries an extensive list of synonyms. Its form changes with growing conditions. It is usually a polypore, but it can also produce a hydnoid hymenophore, with spines in place of pores.
This common crust fungus belongs to the order Polyporales in the phylum Basidiomycota. It is the type species of the genus Irpex and is found throughout temperate areas of the world.
The complete genome sequence of Irpex lacteus was reported in 2017, giving researchers a detailed genetic reference for this widespread fungus.
Distribution and Habitat
Irpex lacteus is distributed throughout temperate areas of the world. It is especially common in urban North America, where it is one of the most frequent wood-rotting fungi.
The fungus grows mainly on the branches and trunks of flowering trees, the angiosperms. It is most often seen in October and least often in June.
Ecology and Relationships
Irpex lacteus is a white-rot fungus that breaks down the wood of angiosperm branches and trunks. Its role as a decomposer makes it one of the most common wood-rotting fungi in urban North America.
The fungus bears a small toll on its hosts' wood and also on people. It has been identified as a cause of pulmonary infections in immunocompromised humans.
Fungus beetles also feed on it. The American pleasing fungus beetle, Ischyrus quadripunctatus, occasionally eats this mushroom. The related beetle Tritoma biguttata biguttata feeds on it more rarely, and it is not a regular food source for that species.
Photos
Photographs from via iNaturalist, licensed under CC0 1.0., by Henry Van T. Cotter via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by John Thomlinson via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by reagan peschke via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Deana Tempest Thomas via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Atsushi Nakajima via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by IDClaire via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by Wendy G via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., by nuthatchnicole via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., and by imaginaryconstruct via iNaturalist, licensed under CC BY 4.0., credited on each photo.
Ecology and classification
Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Irpicaceae
- Genus
- Irpex
- Species
- Irpex lacteus
Sources
- GBIF Species names and classification
- iNaturalist Photos
- Wikidata Common names and conservation status
- Wikipedia Summary extract
