Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal four novel species in Cordycipitaceae in China

Abstract

Cordycipitaceae is a well-known family in Hypocreales, comprising numerous arthropod-pathogenic species. Many taxa in this family have been identified and described through integrated morphological and molecular analyses. In this study, phylogenetic analyses using nrLSU, ITS, nrSSU, 3 P _ TEF, rpb 1, and rpb 2 revealed a new species, Pleurodesmospora sanduensis, and a new collection of Akanthomyces baishanensis.

Additionally, a concatenated 5 P _ TEF + 3 P _ TEF + rpb 1 + MCM 7 dataset was employed to clarify interspecific relationships within Samsoniella, identifying three new species: Samsoniella lurida, S. subasiatica, and S. torquatistipitata. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided for each studied species.