Sclerococcum aptrootii

Sclerococcum aptrootii is a species of lichenicolous fungus in the family Dactylosporaceae. Found in Puerto Rico, it was formally described as a new species in 2015 by Belgian mycologist Paul Diederich. The type specimen was collected in Maricao State Forest north of Sabana Grande (Mayagüez), at an altitude of 800 m; here, in a low mountain forest, it was found growing on the lichen Fissurina dumastii. It is only known to occur at the type locality. The fungus forms black, rounded sporodochia that measure 50–100 μm in diameter; it does not otherwise damage the host. The species epithet honours Dutch lichenologist André Aptroot, who collected the type in 1989.