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Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Hylurgus ligniperda, including six new species from eastern China

Summary

Researchers identified 13 species of fungi living in a wood-boring beetle called the red-haired pine bark beetle, including six entirely new species never described before. These fungi live inside the beetles and help them invade pine forests. The study shows that different continents have different combinations of fungal partners living with these beetles, suggesting that these partnerships are specifically adapted to local conditions.

Background

Hylurgus ligniperda is an invasive bark beetle that has successfully colonized multiple continents. These beetles maintain symbiotic relationships with ophiostomatoid fungi, which facilitate successful invasions. The fungal communities associated with H. ligniperda in newly invaded eastern China remain unexplored.

Objective

To characterize the ophiostomatoid fungal communities associated with H. ligniperda in eastern China using morphological analysis and multilocus phylogenetic approaches. To identify novel species and compare fungal assemblages across geographical regions.

Results

Thirteen species across six genera (Ceratocystiopsis, Graphilbum, Hawksworthiomyces, Leptographium, Masuyamyces, and Ophiostoma) were identified, with six described as new species. Fungal recovery rates differed significantly between gallery-derived and trap-collected adults. Comparative analysis revealed distinct and well-defined fungal community assemblage patterns across five continents.

Conclusion

This study characterizes the symbiotic relationship between H. ligniperda and ophiostomatoid fungi during invasion in China, providing a foundation for understanding cooperative invasion and colonization mechanisms. The distinct geographical patterns of fungal communities highlight region-specific microbial-insect interactions.
  • Published in:IMA Fungus,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/imafungus.16.169382, PMID: 41199996
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