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Introducing a global database of entomopathogenic fungi and their host associations

Summary

Scientists have created a global database called EntomoFun 1.0 that brings together information about fungi that naturally infect insects and other arthropods. The database contains nearly 1,800 records of different fungal species and the insects they infect, collected from scientific literature and museum specimens. This resource helps researchers understand where these fungi are found, which insects they target, and how they might be used for pest control or studied for their ecological importance.

Background

Entomopathogenic fungi (EF), particularly in the Hypocreales order, are understudied pathogens that infect insects and arthropods globally. Despite their ecological importance in regulating species populations and maintaining biodiversity, comprehensive data on host specificity and geographical distribution are lacking. This knowledge gap complicates understanding of pathogen-host dynamics and ecological conservation efforts.

Objective

To address the lack of centralized information on entomopathogenic fungi-insect associations, the authors present EntomoFun 1.0, an open-access database designed to centralize global records of EF-insect associations in Hypocreales. The database aims to test hypotheses, identify knowledge gaps, and stimulate future research on host range, geographical distribution, and ecological impacts of EF.

Results

EntomoFun 1.0 contains 1,791 validated records detailing 371 EF species and their insect host associations across countries, host life stages, and literature sources, compiled from 600+ literature sources. Most records belong to Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps genera. The database includes visualizations showing global species richness distribution, taxonomic representation, and bipartite networks of EF-host interactions.

Conclusion

EntomoFun 1.0 provides a comprehensive, open-access repository of entomopathogenic fungi-host associations that enables researchers to test ecological hypotheses, identify research gaps, and support future field studies. The database represents a significant advance in centralizing scattered information and facilitates investigation of EF ecology, biogeography, and host specificity patterns.
  • Published in:Scientific Data,
  • Study Type:Database Development,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41597-024-04103-4
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