Serpula (fungus) cover the surface they are growing on (known as the substrate). The hymenophore, or spore-forming surface, generally has a wrinkled appearance. The species grow on, and digest, mainly coniferous wood, causing a process known as brown rot. One species, dry rot ("S. lacrymans"), is a highly destructive agent of houses. Damp structural timber is an ideal substrate for the germination of "Serpula" spores. The fungal hyphae penetrate the wood and release enzymes that break down structural polysaccharides such as cellulose. There may be no external indications that the fungus is present until the rot is far advanced and fruit bodies
Serpula but comparison with other serpulids suggests it may be between six days and two months, although in other species the period has been shown to vary with season, salinity or food availability, and delayed settling may cause reduced discrimination of substrata during settling (see ten Hove, 1979 for additional references). Worms of the genus "Serpula" are filter feeders, and possess a complete digestive system. Like other polychaetes, "Serpula" excrete with fully developed nephridia. Click here to see more photographs of various specimens of the genus "Serpula". Serpula Serpula (also known as calcareous tubeworm, serpulid tubeworm, fanworm, or plume worm) is