The conidial state is in the genus Penicillium . Examine the bright yellow ascocarp of Talaromyces vermiculatus under the dissecting scope. Mount several ascocarps in water and crush gently to examine the asci and ascospores. In this order, the ascocarp frequently consists of loose arrangment of hyphae, and a distinct peridium is lacking. The anamorph is arthroscopic or aleuriosporic.
Many species are keratinophilic and are common dermatophytes.
These are plectomycetes with the clestothecial wall consisting of loose network of hyphae. The free ends of the hyphae are spine-like, with lateral branches. The ascospores are hyaline. Examine cultures of Nannizzia gypsea under the dissecting scope without the opening the plates. Examine demonstration slides of intact and crushed ascocarps in water.