Aspergillus terreus, also known as "Aspergillus terrestris", is a fungus (mold) found worldwide in soil. Although thought to be strictly asexual until recently, "A. terreus" is now known to be capable of sexual reproduction. This saprotrophic fungus is prevalent in warmer climates such as tropical and subtropical regions. Aside from being located in soil, "A. terreus" has also been found in habitats such as decomposing vegetation and dust. "A. terreus" is commonly used in industry to produce important organic acids, such as itaconic acid and "cis"-aconitic acid, as well as enzymes, like xylanase. It was also the initial source for the drug mevinolin (lovastatin), a drug for lowering serum cholesterol.