Dictyostelids: The second major group of slime molds

Authors

• P. Liu, Agr Univ
• Z.J. Zhang, Agr Univ
• J.H. Ge, Agr Univ
• Y. Zou, Agri Univ
• Z. Li, Agr Univ
• S. Li, Agri Univ
• Y. Li, Agr Univ
• S.L. Stephenson, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Keywords

Biogeography, classification, ecology, history, methods of studys, lime molds

Abstract

The dictyostelids (also called cellular slime molds or social amoebae) are among the more abundant and widespread groups of microorganisms in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite this fact, they are totally unknown to most people, who sometimes confuse the dictyostelids with myxomycetes (or plasmodial slime molds). The first dictyostelid (Dictyostelium mucoroides) was described by the German Oskar Brefeld in 1869. More than 180 species are now known, and these organisms have been recorded from the high arctic to the subantarctic. The primary microhabitat for dictyostelids is the soil/humus layer on a forest floor, but they also occur in a number of other microhabitats. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of dictyostelids, including their occurrence, distribution, relationships with other organisms, methods used for isolation, history of their study, and classification. The assemblages of species associated with each major type of ecosystem (tropical forest, temperate forest, boreal forest, tundra, grassland, savanna, and desert) are described. In addition, the compounds produced by dictyostelids and their possible applications are discussed.

Comments

Web of Science

Citation

Liu, P., Z. J. Zhang, J. H. Ge, Y. Zou, Z. Li, S. Li, Y. Li, and S. L. Stephenson. "Dictyostelids: the second major group of slime molds." (2025): 423-516.