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During a soil survey for Mucorales in a semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, a specimen of Absidia (URM 8213) was isolated. Both morphological and phylogenetic analyses (ITS and LSU rDNA regions) of this specimen showed that it is a new species. The new species differs from other species in the genus in its ability to concomitantly produce isolated or whorled sporangiophores of up to 8 with fig-shaped and hemispherical columellae, as well as globose, subglobose, and cylindrical sporangiospores. Thus, in this study, we propose a new species of Absidia.

During a survey of the diversity of Mucorales in Atlantic Forest and upland rainforest soils in northeastern Brazil, two strains belonging to Absidia were isolated. These strains are morphologically and molecularly (nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1–5.8–ITS2 and D1–D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA) distinct from other Absidia species. Absidia cornuta sp. nov. presents exclusively cylindrical sporangiospores and up to three projections on columellae. Absidia pernambucoensis sp. nov. presents up to two apical projections on columellae and produces two types of sporangiospores: cylindrical and slightly cuneiform. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, two new species of Absidia are proposed. An identification key for the species of Absidia with cylindrical sporangiospores found in the Neotropics is provided.

During a survey of Mucorales in fragments of an Atlantic Upland Forest inserted in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil, a specimen of Mucor was isolated from soil samples. The specimen was characterized based on morphological, physiological and molecular data (ITS and LSU rDNA regions). The isolate produces intensely branched sporangiophores commonly with between one and several septa with mostly applanate columellae. The sporangiophores were smooth-walled and varied in shape and size, while some were subglobose. The best growth was at 25°C but there was also good growth at 30°C. Based on the evidence of the analyzed datasets a new species of Mucor is proposed. A detailed description of the new specimen of Mucor from the Brazilian semi-arid region are provided.