MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Phylogenetic and Morphological Analysis of a Novel Allocucurbitaria Species Isolated from Lelia decempunctata in South Korea

Summary

Scientists in South Korea discovered a new fungal species living on a stink bug. By analyzing its genetic material and physical characteristics, they confirmed it was a previously unknown species and named it Allocucurbitaria koreanum. This is the first time this type of fungus has been found associated with insects, suggesting these fungi may have interesting relationships with insects that researchers need to study further.

Background

The family Cucurbitariaceae includes 18 genera and is known for its ecological diversity. The genus Allocucurbitaria, established in 2018, contains four described species. This study describes a novel fungal strain isolated from a stink bug collected in South Korea.

Objective

To identify and characterize a novel Allocucurbitaria species isolated from a stink bug (Lelia decempunctata) through phylogenetic and morphological analysis. To determine if the strain represents a distinct species within the genus.

Results

The strain occupied a distinct phylogenetic position within Allocucurbitaria and was morphologically differentiated from related species by white colony color on MEA (versus dark olive-brown in A. botulispora) and smaller conidiogenous cells. Sequence analysis confirmed the strain’s separation from A. botulispora and other related species.

Conclusion

A new species, Allocucurbitaria koreanum sp. nov., is proposed based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence. This represents the first Allocucurbitaria species isolated from an insect host and the first from Korea, highlighting the ecological versatility of the genus.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2530270, PMID: 40687383
Scroll to Top