Leptographium spp. are anamorphs of Ophiostoma and are characterised by con
idiophores with dark mononematous stipes and complex conidiogenous apparatu
sses with several series of branches. These fungi are also characterised by
their distinct tolerance to high concentrations of cycloheximide. Most Lep
tographium spp. cause sapstain in conifer timber and some species are root
pathogens of trees. In recent years, an unknown Leptographium sp, has been
isolated from spruce and pine in Europe. This species is found in associati
on with bark beetles that infest these conifers. These insects most probabl
y act as vectors for this fungus and belong to the genera Dryocoetes, Hylas
tes, Hylurgops and Tomicus. Morphological comparisons, as well as partial r
ibosomal DNA comparisons have shown that this species represents a previous
ly undescribed taxon. In this paper we describe the fungus as new and provi
de the name Leptographium guttulatum sp. nov. for it.