Three new species of Ophiocordyceps (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) and a new host record for Hirsutella vermicola from China

Abstract

Ophiocordyceps, a genus of invertebrate-pathogenic fungi in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae (order Hypocreales), is globally distributed. Over 300 species have been described and accepted as members of the genus. This study introduces three new Ophiocordyceps species from China: O. liaoningensis, O. muscidarum, and O. neocommunis.

Remarkably, O. muscidarum, hosted on flies (Muscidae, Diptera), is characterized by its larger perithecia and longer secondary ascospores. Ophiocordyceps neocommunis is also introduced based on morphological distinctions from closely related species. Ophiocordyceps liaoningensis produces dark brown superficial perithecia with an asexual morph at the apex and does not break into part-spores.

Phylogenetic analyses using six loci (LSU, ITS, SSU, tef- 1 α, rpb 1, and rpb 2) robustly support the placement of these new species within the Ophiocordyceps. Additionally, we report a new host record for Hirsutella vermicola. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, color photo plates, and a phylogenetic tree are provided.