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Issue: Vol. 715 No. 1: 15 Aug. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-08-15
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.715.1.2
Page range: 32-46
Abstract views: 689
PDF downloaded: 16

Ophiocordyceps linyphiidarum sp. nov., a newly discovered spider-pathogenic fungus from China

School of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550009, China; Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand 5Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
School of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550009, China
Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
School of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550009, China
School of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550009, China
1 novel species arthropod-pathogenic fungi biodiversity conservation fungal natural enemies taxonomy Fungi

Abstract

Spider-pathogenic fungi are predominantly found in Cordycipitaceae, with only rare occurrences in Ophiocordycipitaceae. Among the Ophiocordycipitaceae, Ophiocordyceps is the largest genus and is known for its ecological adaptability and broad host range and potential applications in sustainable pest management. Ophiocordyceps species thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in southwestern China, a biodiversity hotspot and key region for conservation of fungal diversity. During a survey in Southwest China, a new species, Ophiocordyceps linyphiidarum was identified. This species is distinguished from other Ophiocordyceps species by its specific spider host (Linyphiidae), and unique morphological characteristics, including longer polyblastic phialides and polymorphic, non-velutinous conidia. Phylogenetic analyses based on combined datasets of SSU, LSU, ITS, tef-1α, rpb1, and rpb2 further support its distinctiveness from related species. The discovery of O. linyphiidarum contributes to our understanding of ecosystem dynamics, supports climate-resilient biological control strategies, and emphasizes the value of exploring fungi as part of nature-based solutions for sustainable production and ecosystem health. The new species is formally described, illustrated, and compared with morphologically similar taxa.

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How to Cite

Yang, Y., Jayawardena, R.S., Hyde, K.D., Lu, Y.-Z., Mapook, A., Nilthong, S., Xie, S.-Q. & Xiao, Y.-P. (2025) Ophiocordyceps linyphiidarum sp. nov., a newly discovered spider-pathogenic fungus from China. Phytotaxa 715 (1): 32–46. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.715.1.2