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Overview of hirsutella-like anamorphs in Ophiocordyceps (Sordariomycetes, Ophiocordycipitaceae): introducing two new species and one new record from China

Summary

Scientists discovered and described two new species of parasitic fungi that infect insect larvae in China. These fungi, belonging to the Ophiocordyceps genus, have special asexual reproductive structures called hirsutella-like anamorphs. The research provides a comprehensive catalog of all known Ophiocordyceps species with these structures and how they differ from each other based on their shape and size.

Background

Ophiocordyceps is a species-rich genus within Ophiocordycipitaceae family containing entomopathogenic fungi with ecological and economic importance. Most Ophiocordyceps species are reported with hirsutella-like anamorphs, which are fungal forms infecting various arthropod hosts.

Objective

To introduce two new species of hirsutella-like anamorphs from lepidopteran larvae in China and document one new geographic record. The study aims to provide a comprehensive checklist and review of Ophiocordyceps species with hirsutella-like anamorphs to establish a foundation for their classification and diversity.

Results

Two new species (Ophiocordyceps tielingensis sp. nov. and O. keqinii sp. nov.) from lepidopteran larvae were identified and described. Hirsutella radiata was reclassified as O. radiata and reported for the first time from China. A checklist of 95 Ophiocordyceps species with hirsutella-like anamorphs and comprehensive characterization of their morphological features was provided.

Conclusion

The study establishes a comprehensive framework for the classification of Ophiocordyceps species with hirsutella-like anamorphs and documents new species and geographic records from China. The proposed organization of hirsutella-like subclades and morphological characterization will facilitate future taxonomy and diversity studies of this fungal group.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.119.145174, PMID: 40641592
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