Serpula lacrymans Serpula lacrymans Serpula lacrymans is one of the fungi that cause damage to timber referred to as dry rot. It is a basidiomycete in the order Boletales. The species was first described under the name "Boletus lacrymans" by Franz Xavier von Wulfen in 1781. It was transferred to the genus "Serpula" by Petter Karsten in 1884. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin words "serpula" for "creeping" (as in a serpent) and "lacrymans", meaning "making tears". "Serpula lacrymans" has a preference for temperatures of but can survive any temperature from . It is not clear how much light is
Serpula lacrymans needed to promote "Serpula lacrymans" growth. In terms of aeration "Serpula lacrymans" often grows near ventilation shafts which shows a preference for concentrated oxygen. A moisture content of 30 to 40 percent is its ideal level in wood to promote fruit body formation. It appears that "Serpula lacrymans" requires an environment where both inorganic and organic materials are present. The fungus uses calcium and iron ions extracted from plaster, brick, and stone to aid the breakdown of wood, which results in brown rot. Although it is a common indoor biodeterioration agent, it has only been found in a few natural