Gasterella luteophila is a saprotrophic fungus found in soil cultures from the United States of America. It has only been reported for 5 sites, between 1932 and 1942. Given the very small size of the fruiting body, and the culture conditions needed for fructification it is possible that this species has been forgotten by mycology. More updated information is needed to calculate population size and trends, so the species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Gasterella luteophila (‘lutophila’ in its original description) led to the establishment of the monotypic genus Gasterella, due to its distinct morphological characteristics (Index Fungorum 2022, Zeller and Walker 1935). It is the only species in the family Gasterellaceae (Zeller 1948).

EDGE Species

Gasterella luteophila has only been reported from fructifications in soil cultures collected in the United States of America, from Nebraska (Lincoln, Peru and Gretna), Missouri (Columbia) and Michigan (GBIF records 2022, Zeller and Walker 1935, Walker 1940).

Gasterella luteophila has only been reported for saturated soil cultures from approximately 5 sites, but the exact number of sites is difficult to determine based on the information available. All findings occurred between 1932 and 1942. Though initial tests indicated that this species was common in loess soil from Nebraska, tests with soil from other regions did not result in fructifications. Given that this species forms very small and inconspicuous basidiocarps and microscopy is needed for its identification, it may be more common than what can be determined with the information now available. (GBIF records 2022, Zeller and Walker 1935, Walker 1940)

Gasterella luteophila forms very small globose fructifications (200-700 micrometer in diameter) in saturated soil cultures, namely of loess soil, when the air is also saturated (e.g. in greenhouse conditions). There are no reports of fructifications in natural habitat. (Zeller and Walker 1935, Walker 1940)

Increase in survey efforts to clarify distribution and population size.