The systematic position of the genus Chaetosphaeria, among pyrenomycetous a
scomycetes is discussed. The families Lasiosphaeriaceae, Helminthosphaeriac
eae and Trichosphaeriaceae are rejected as possible families for Chaetospha
eria. A new family, Chaetosphaeriaceae (Sordariales) is introduced for Chae
tosphaeria and for other closely related genera, including Ascocodinaea., M
elanochaeta, Melanopsammella, Porosphaerella, Porosphaerellopsis and Striat
osphaeria. Anamorphs are dematiaceous and phialidic; they include the gener
a Catenularia, Cylindrotrichum, Chalara, Chloridium, Cordana, Custingophora
, Dictyochaeta, Gonytrichum, Menispora, Phialophora, Sporoschisma, Sporosch
ismopsis and Zanclospora. A dichotomous key to genera of the Chaetosphaeria
ceae is provided. The accepted genera are listed along with synonymy, brief
descriptions and other references.