Comprehensive treatise of Hevansia and three new genera Jenniferia, Parahevansia and Polystromomyces on spiders in Cordycipitaceae from Thailand

Author: mycolabadmin
2022-07-26
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Summary

This research discovered and described several new types of fungi that specifically infect spiders in Thailand’s forests. The scientists found new species and genera of these fungi through detailed examination of their physical features and genetic analysis. The study advances our understanding of the diversity and evolution of fungi that naturally control spider populations. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps understand natural pest control mechanisms in ecosystems – Contributes to the discovery of potential new biopesticides for agricultural use – Advances knowledge of biodiversity in tropical forests – May lead to discovery of new compounds with medical or industrial applications

Background

Members of Cordycipitaceae (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) are parasitic on spiders (Araneae) and several orders of insects from larva to adult states. Several species of this family are recognised for their economic importance, such as Cordyceps militaris, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, edible mushroom and source of bioactive compounds, and others that are being used or developed as biopesticides against different insect pests.

Objective

To elucidate the phylogenetic and taxonomic placement of collections of parasitic fungi on spiders through multi-locus molecular phylogenetic analyses and observation of diagnostic macro- and micro-morphological characteristics. Additionally, this work aimed to refine the diagnostic characters of the species classification of Hevansia.

Results

The study revealed several new taxonomic findings including: two new species in Jenniferia (J. griseocinerea and J. thomisidarum), establishment of Parahevansia as a new genus with Pa. koratensis, description of Polystromomyces as a new genus with Po. araneae, establishment of an asexual-sexual morph connection for Hevansia novoguineensis, and proposal of a new species H. minuta. A new type of ascospore morphology was discovered in Jenniferia, characterized by septate part-spores alternately connected with thread-like structures along the whole ascospore.

Conclusion

The research expanded the taxonomic understanding of spider-pathogenic fungi in Cordycipitaceae through discovery and description of multiple new genera and species. The work established important morphological characteristics for genus and species identification, particularly ascospore types, and clarified phylogenetic relationships between these fungi through molecular analyses.

Published in:MycoKeys,
Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.91.83091