Abstract The ability of a large number of higher fungi to form extracellular cellulases is investigated. Some representatives of these fungi grow at 40–50°C, and form extracellular cellulases exceeding cellulases of mesophilic fungi in thermostability. It is shown that cellulases of higher thermophilic fungi differ by their thermostability. The temperature optimum of cellulase action of higher fungi occurs within 60–62°C.