Serpulaceae

Serpulaceae is a small family of fungi in the Basidiomycota, class Agaricomycetes. The family comprises wood‑decay basidiomycetes, and its type genus is Serpula, from which the family takes its name. Members are primarily associated with decaying wood and can occur on dead or damp timber in natural settings as well as in man-made structures.

Taxonomy and composition within Serpulaceae have varied over time as taxonomic methods have evolved. The core genus Serpula is universally recognized as the name-bearing representative of the family, while other genera have been included or reassessed in different classifications depending on morphological and molecular data. Because fungal taxonomy has undergone many revisions, the exact list of genera within Serpulaceae may differ among sources.

Morphology and ecology are diverse within the family. Fruiting bodies range from crust-like to bracket- or shelf-shaped forms, and they are commonly found on decaying wood. Like many wood-decay fungi, species in this family are saprotrophic, feeding on and decomposing wood. They can contribute to the breakdown of timber in natural environments and, in humid or damp settings, to deterioration of wooden structures.

Notable species within Serpulaceae include Serpula lacrymans, the dry rot fungus, which is widely cited for its economic and structural impact when it colonizes timber in buildings. This species exemplifies the potential risk posed by members of the family in human-made environments, particularly under conditions of moisture and poor ventilation.

Distribution of Serpulaceae is broadly cosmopolitan, with representatives found in temperate regions worldwide. The group remains of interest to mycologists and wood preservation specialists due to its ecological roles and, in some cases, its impact on timber integrity.