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Two New Entomopathogenic Species of Ophiocordyceps in Thailand

Summary

This research discovered two new species of fungi in Thailand that parasitize insects. One species infects flies while the other targets beetle larvae. The study provides detailed descriptions of these fungi and confirms they are previously unknown species through both physical examination and DNA analysis. This research contributes to our understanding of fungal biodiversity and host-parasite relationships in tropical ecosystems. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps track and understand biodiversity in tropical regions • Provides insights into natural pest control mechanisms • Advances our knowledge of fungal evolution and adaptation • Could lead to development of biological pest control methods • Contributes to conservation efforts by documenting species diversity

Background

Ophiocordyceps is an entomopathogenic genus and the largest studied genus in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae. The genus is characterized by fibrous, hard, pliant-to-wiry, dark stromata with superficial to immersed perithecia in sexual morph species. The asexual morphs typically have hirsutella-like and hymenostilbe-like features. The hosts are mainly insect larvae and adults from various orders. Thailand has rich biodiversity with over 400 reported entomopathogenic species.

Objective

To introduce and describe two new species of Ophiocordyceps found in Thailand – O. globiceps parasitizing flies (Diptera) and O. sporangifera parasitizing beetle larvae (Coleoptera, Elateridae). The study aimed to provide morphological descriptions and phylogenetic evidence to establish these as distinct new species.

Results

O. globiceps was characterized by smaller perithecia (538-663 × 182-247 μm), shorter asci (373-454 × 5.7-8.2 μm) and secondary ascospores compared to related species. Phylogenetic analyses placed it as distinct from but related to O. dipterigena. O. sporangifera was distinguished by infecting beetle larvae, producing white to brown sporangia, longer secondary synnemata (1092-1937 × 21-34 μm) and shorter phialides compared to the closely related O. myrmicarum.

Conclusion

Based on both morphological and molecular evidence, O. globiceps and O. sporangifera represent two new species within the genus Ophiocordyceps. While O. globiceps was well-supported phylogenetically, O. sporangifera was established primarily on distinctive morphological characters despite limited phylogenetic resolution.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.47.29898
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