Dry rot The term "dry rot", or "true dry rot", refers to the decay of timbers from only certain species of fungi that are thought to provide their own source of moisture and nutrients to cause decay in otherwise relatively dry timber. However, there has been no published experimental evidence to support the phenomenon. In modern texts, the term 'dry rot' is used in reference to damage inflicted by either: "Serpula lacrymans" (formerly "Merulius lacrymans") predominantly in the United Kingdom and northern Europe; and/or "Meruliporia incrassata" (which has a number of synonyms, including "Poria incrassata" and "Serpula incrassata") in North America. Both
Serpula vermicularis tube is fabricated by the glandular ventral shields on the other thoracic segments, where calcium is mixed with an organic secretion to make a paste. This is formed into shape by a collar found just behind the first segment, the prostomium. "Serpula vermicularis" is a filter feeder and extends its radioles to catch phytoplankton and detritus. The radioles also act as gills. Blood is pumped in and out of these with the flow direction alternating in a single set of vessels. The blood is then pumped through a ventral blood vessel to the tip of the abdomen before returning through