Monascus

Monascus is a genus of mold. Among the known species of this genus, the red-pigmented Monascus purpureus is among the most important because of its use in the production of certain fermented foods in East Asia, particularly China and Japan. It has also been found associated with the nests of some bee species, particularly bumblebees and sweat bees though its function in these environments is unclear.

==Species== Monascus albidulus Monascus argentinensis Monascus aurantiacus Monascus barkeri Monascus eremophilus Monascus flavipigmentosus Monascus floridanus Monascus fumeus Monascus lunisporas Monascus mellicola Monascus mucoroides Monascus olei Monascus pallens Monascus paxii Monascus pilosus Monascus purpureus Monascus recifensis Monascus ruber Monascus rutilus Monascus sanguineus Monascus vini