Phylogenetic analysis based on nucSSU rDNA (=GenBank HQ441174) demonstrated that Exophiala strain CBS 121818 was nested within the core of the ascomycete order Chaetothyriales (data not shown). It was located in a clade composed of Exophiala bergeri and Exophiala xenobiotica, both species having an affinity for hydrocarbon-rich environments. A sister group of this clade contained Exophiala jeanselmei, Exophiala oligosperma and Exophiala spinifera, species primarily being known to be involved in human disorders.