The order Sordariales is one of the most diverse taxonomic groups within the Sordariomycetes (subdivision Pezizomycotina, divisionAscomycota).[1]
Species in the order Sordariales have a broad range of ecological diversity, containing lignicolous, herbicolous and coprophilous taxa.[2] Most Sordariales are saprobic, producing solitary perithecialascomata. They are commonly found on dung or decaying plant matter.[3] The order contains a number of ecologically important species, including the model filamentous fungal genera Podospora[4] and Neurospora, as well as potentially industrial-relevant fungi, such as members of the Chaetomiaceae family, which often produce biologically active secondary metabolites.[5] The order Sordariales furthermore contains the highest diversity of thermophilic fungal species, with isolates present in seven different genera.[6]