Review papersNon-pollen palynomorphs notes: 1. Type HdV-368 (Podospora-type), descriptions of associated species, and the first key to related spore types

- First key to identify spores of the Podospora-type properly
- Based on literature review, incubation of dung and palaeoecological research
- Details of species ecology and geographical distribution
- Bridge between palaeoecology and mycology

The type HdV-368 (van Geel et al., 1981) or the Podospora-type (van Geel et al., 2001) is a common representative of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) with high palaeoecological potential. Here we present a revision of the type on the basis of a survey of the mycological literature and incubation of related dung fungi. The characteristic truncated base of the type HdV-368 is shared by the ascospores of at least 31 species of the genus Podospora, including one species that probably belongs to the nearly related genus Schizothecium. We arrange these species in morphological spore taxa, which are named after representative species, and provide an identification key to the new types and groups including descriptions of ecology and distribution of each species. The former type of HdV-368 falls into the newly erected Podospora decipiens-type, which covers the spores of the coprophilous species P. decipiens and P. perplexens and partly of P. pleiospora and P. prethopodalis. A short discussion of the spores of coprophilous fungi as palaeoecological indicators for animal diversity, population density, vegetation, climate, local conditions, and transport events is also given. The key's application can provide detailed insights into past environmental and biodiversity changes.