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Morphological and phylogenetic evidence reveals three new arthropod-associated species of Hypocreales (Clavicipitaceae, Bionectriaceae, and Myrotheciomycetaceae) from karst habitats in Guizhou, China

Summary

Scientists discovered three new species of fungi living on arthropods (insects and spiders) in the karst limestone regions of Guizhou, China. These fungi were identified using both traditional microscopy and modern DNA analysis. The findings add to our understanding of fungal diversity in these unique and threatened ecosystems, and researchers also determined that two previously separated fungal genera should actually be classified as one.

Background

Karst regions in southwest China harbor exceptional biodiversity with unique ecosystems that are critically threatened. Guizhou Province is recognized as a mycological hotspot with diverse microenvironments supporting numerous fungal species. Recent investigations have documented multiple new arthropod-associated fungal species from this region.

Objective

To identify and describe three new fungal species isolated from arthropods in karst habitats of Guizhou Province, China. The study aims to establish novel taxa based on morphological characteristics and DNA-based phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Three new species were identified: Conoideocrella tiankengensis from a scale insect, Ovicillium zunyiense from a lepidopteran larva, and Trichothecium sinense from a spider. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed their placement in families Clavicipitaceae, Bionectriaceae, and Myrotheciomycetaceae respectively. Myrotheciomyces was proposed as a synonym of Trichothecium.

Conclusion

The study introduces three novel arthropod-associated fungal species from karst habitats, expanding knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Guizhou Province. The first report of Myrotheciomycetaceae from karst habitats and the synonymization of Myrotheciomyces with Trichothecium contribute to fungal taxonomy.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study, Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.123.164334, PMID: 41140783
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