Molecular systematics supports the recognition of an additional order of Ascomycota: the Agyriales

SSU rRNA gene sequences of Anamylopsora pulcherrima (Anamylopsoraceae), Placopsis gelida, Trapelia involuta and T. placodioides (Agyriaceae) were determined and aligned with the corresponding sequences of 39 other ascomycetes. Phylogenetic analysis (maximum parsimony, spectral analysis) of these sequences placed the Agyriineae outside the Lecanorales and suggested a sister group relationship to Ostropales/Perfusariales. The resurrection of the order Agyriales is proposed based on molecular and morphological data, such as faintly amyloid asci opening by dehiscence. The sequence data support the two families Agyriaceae and Anamylopsoraceae to be accomodated within the order Agyriales. The Agyriales, Ostropales and Pertusariales can be placed in the class Lecanoromycetes.