Eurotiales

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Eurotiales (subdivision Ascomycotina) An order of mycelium-forming fungi which form cleistothecioid (see CLEISTOTHECIUM) ascocarps and unitunicate, thin-walled asci containing unicellular ascospores. They are mainly saprotrophic and are found in a very wide range of habitats, including soil, wood, dung, and animal debris (such as hair, horn, and feathers). Some members are important in that they cause spoilage of certain foods; others are used in certain industrial fermentations. A few members can cause disease in animals. The order includes the perfect (sexual) stages of important form-genera (e.g. Aspergillus and Penicillium).