Research Article |
Corresponding author: Jian-Dong Liang ( cordyceps2005@qq.com ) Academic editor: Marc Stadler
© 2024 Xing-Can Peng, Ting-Chi Wen, De-Ping Wei, Yu-Hong Liao, Yi Wang, Xian Zhang, Gui-Ying Wang, Yun Zhou, Khanobporn Tangtrakulwanich, Jian-Dong Liang.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Peng X-C, Wen T-C, Wei D-P, Liao Y-H, Wang Y, Zhang X, Wang G-Y, Zhou Y, Tangtrakulwanich K, Liang J-D (2024) Two new species and one new combination of Ophiocordyceps (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) in Guizhou. MycoKeys 102: 245-266. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.102.113351
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Ophiocordyceps is the largest genus in Ophiocordycipitaceae and has a broad distribution with high diversity in subtropical and tropical regions. In this study, two new species, pathogenic on lepidopteran larvae are introduced, based on morphological observation and molecular phylogeny. Ophiocordyceps fenggangensis sp. nov. is characterised by having fibrous, stalked stroma with a sterile tip, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and filiform ascospores disarticulating into secondary spores. Ophiocordyceps liangii sp. nov. has the characteristics of fibrous, brown, stipitate, filiform stroma, superficial perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores. A new combination Ophiocordyceps musicaudata (syn. Cordyceps musicaudata) is established employing molecular analysis and morphological characteristics. Ophiocordyceps musicaudata is characterised by wiry, stipitate, solitary, paired to multiple stromata, yellowish, branched fertile part, brown stipe, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores.
Entomopathogenic fungi>, morphology, phylogenetic, two new taxa
Hypocreales is a fungal order enriched in arthropod-pathogens, which are taxonomically placed in Clavicipitaceae, Cordycipitaceae, Ophiocordycipitaceae and Polycephalomycetaceae (
Ophiocordycipitaceae contains more than 500 species and about three out of five species are distributed in its type genus Ophiocordyceps. Ophiocordyceps was established by
In this study, we collected three entomoapthogenic fungi> from lepidoptera larvae found in disturbed forests in Guizhou Province, China. These specimens have typical characters of Ophiocordyceps in terms of the macro- and micro-morphologies. This study attempts to reveal their taxonomic placements, based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of the combined LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α, rpb1 and rpb2 dataset.
Specimens were scanned from the ground of disturbed forests in Guizhou Province, China. Three species were found to infect lepidopteran larvae and their stromata protruded from the ground. Amongst them, the hosts of specimen HKAS 125848 were found completely immersed into soil. The host of specimen
DNA was extracted from mycelium inside the body of insect hosts and from fresh mycelium on PDA medium using DNA extraction kit (Fungal gDNA Isolation Kit, Biomiga, CA, USA), following the protocol of the manufacturer. The obtained total genomic DNA was stored at -20 °C. Six loci including the partial large subunit rRNA gene (LSU), internal transcribed spacer including the 5.8S rDNA gene (ITS), the partial small subunit rRNA gene (SSU), the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1-α), the partial RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1) and the partial RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) were amplified and sequenced. The primers LROR/LR5 were used for LSU (
GenBank accession numbers of the taxa used in the phylogenetic analyses, the newly- generated sequences are in bold, T Represents type strain, type specimens or neotype.
Current name | Voucher | host | LSU | ITS | SSU | tef1-α | rpb1 | rpb2 | References |
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Cordyceps militaris | OSC 93623 | Lepidoptera | AY184966 | JN049825 | AY184977 | DQ522332 | DQ522377 | AY545732 |
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YFCC 6587 | MN576818 | MN576762 | MN576988 | MN576878 | MN576932 |
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Drechmeria balanoides | CBS 250.82T | AF339539 | AF339588 | DQ522342 | DQ522442 |
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D. gunnii | OSC 76404 | Lepidoptera | AF339522 | JN049822 | AF339572 | AY489616 | AY489650 | DQ522426 |
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D. panacis | CBS 142798T | Apiales | MF588897 | MF588878 | MF588890 | MF614144 |
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D. zeospora | CBS 335.80T | AF339540 | MH861269 | AF339589 | EF469062 | EF469091 | EF469109 |
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Harposporium anguillulae | ARSEF 5593 | AY636081 |
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Har. cycloides | ARSEF 5599 | AY636083 |
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Har. harposporiferum | ARSEF 5472T | NG_060621 | AF339569 |
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Har. helicoides | ARSEF 5354 | Nematode | AF339527 | AF339577 |
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Hirsutella citriformis | ARSEF1 035 | Hemiptera | KM652105 | KM652153 | KM652064 | KM651989 | KM652030 |
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ARSEF 1446 | Hemiptera | KM652106 | KM652154 | KM652065 | KM651990 | KM652031 |
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Hir. fusiformis | ARSEF 5474 | Coleoptera | KM652110 | KM652067 | KM651993 | KM652033 |
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Hir. gigantea | ARSEF 30 | Hymenoptera | JX566977 | JX566980 | KM652034 |
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Hir. kuankuoshuiensis | GZUIFR-2012KKS3-1 | Lepidoptera | KY415582 | KY415575 | KY415590 | KY945360 |
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Hir. radiata | ARSEF 1369 | Diptera | KM652119 | KM652076 | KM652002 | KM652042 |
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Hir. shennongjiaensis | GZUIFR-Snj121022T | Dermaptera | KY945357 | KT390721 | KY945364 |
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Ophiocordyceps acicularis | OSC 110987 | Coleoptera | EF468805 | EF468950 | EF468744 | EF468852 |
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O. agriotidis | ARSEF 5692 | Coleoptera | DQ518754 | JN049819 | DQ522540 | DQ522322 | DQ522368 | DQ522418 |
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O. alboperitheciata | YHH 16755T | Lepidoptera | MT222278 | MT222279 | MT222280 | MT222281 |
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O. appendiculata | NBRC 106959 | Coleoptera | JN941412 | JN943325 | JN941729 | AB968578 | JN992463 | AB968540 |
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O. araracuarensis | HUA 186135 | Hemiptera | KC610769 | KP200891 | KC610788 | KC610738 | KF658665 | KC610716 |
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O. asiatica | BCC 86435 | Blattodea | MH753676 | MH754723 | MK214106 | MK214092 |
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O. bidoupensis | YHH 20036T | Coleoptera | OK571396 | OK556893 | OK556897 | OK556899 |
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O. brunneiperitheciata | TBRC 8100 | Lepidoptera | MF614658 | MF614643 | MF614685 |
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BCC 49312 | Lepidoptera | MF614660 | MF614642 | MF614686 |
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O. coccidiicola | NBRC 100682 | AB968419 | AB968404 | AB968391 | AB968583 | AB968545 |
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O. communis | BCC 1874 | Blattodea | MH753679 | MH754725 | MK284267 | MK214109 | MK214095 |
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O. crinalis | GDGM 17327 | Lepidoptera | KF226254 | KF226253 | KF226256 | KF226255 |
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O. delicatula | ARSEF 14442T | Hemiptera | MZ198251 | MZ246828 | MZ246829 |
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O. elongata | OSC 110989 | Lepidoptera | EF468808 | EF468748 | EF468856 |
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O. entomorrhiza | KEW 53484 | Lepidoptera | EF468809 | JN049850 | EF468954 | EF468749 | EF468857 | EF468911 |
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Ophiocordyceps fenggangensis | HKAS 125848T | Lepidoptera | OR527542 | OR527535 | OR526346 | OR526351 | This study | ||
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Lepidoptera | OR527541 | OR527534 | OR527538 | OR526345 | OR526350 | OR526353 | This study | |
O. flabellata | YFCC 8795T | Hymenoptera | OL310724 | OL310721 | OL322688 | OL322687 | OL322695 |
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O. formosana | TNM F13893 | Coleoptera | KJ878908 | KJ878956 | KJ878988 | KJ878943 |
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O. fusiformis | BCC 93025T | Blattodea | MZ675422 | MZ676743 | MZ707849 | MZ707855 | MZ707805 |
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O. gracillima | HUA 186132 | Coleoptera | KC610768 | KF937353 | KC610744 | KF658666 |
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Ophiocordyceps liangii | HKAS 125845T | Lepidoptera | OR527543 | OR527536 | OR527539 | OR526347 | This study | ||
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Lepidoptera | OR527544 | OR527537 | OR527540 | OR526348 | OR526354 | This study | ||
O. macroacicularis | NBRC 105888 | Lepidoptera | AB968417 | AB968401 | AB968389 | AB968575 | AB968537 |
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O. melolonthae | OSC 110993 | Coleoptera | DQ518762 | DQ522548 | DQ522331 | DQ522376 |
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O. monacidis | MF74 | Hymenoptera | KX713605 | KX713647 | KX713712 |
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O. mosingtoensis | BCC 30904 | Blattodea | MH753686 | MH754732 | MK284273 | MK214115 | MK214100 |
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O. multiperitheciata | BCC 22861 | Lepidoptera | MF614656 | MF614640 | MF614670 | MF614683 |
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Ophiocordyceps musicaudata |
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Lepidoptera | OR527545 | OR526349 | OR526352 | This study | |||
O. naomipierceae | DAWKSANT | Hymenoptera | KX713589 | KX713664 | KX713701 |
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O. nigra | TNS 16250 | Coleoptera | KJ878942 | KJ878987 | KJ879021 |
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O. nigrella | EFCC 9247 | Lepidoptera | EF468818 | JN049853 | EF468963 | EF468758 | EF468866 | EF468920 |
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O. nooreniae | BRIP 55363T | Hymenoptera | KX673810 | KX673811 | KX673812 | KX673809 |
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O. ovatospora | YHH 2206001T | Blattodea | OP295113 | OP295105 | OP295110 | OP313801 | OP313803 | OP313805 |
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O. pseudocommunis | BCC 16757 | Blattodea | MH753687 | MH754733 | MK284274 | MK214117 | MK214101 |
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O. pseudorhizoidea | BCC 86431 | Blattodea | MH753674 | MH754721 | MK284262 | MK751469 | MK214090 |
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O. purpureostromata | TNS F18430 | Coleoptera | KJ878897 | KJ878931 | KJ878977 | KJ879011 |
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O. ravenelii | OSC 110995 | Coleoptera | DQ518764 | DQ522550 | DQ522334 | DQ522379 | DQ522430 |
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O. robertsii | KEW 27083 | Lepidoptera | EF468826 | EF468766 |
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O. sinensis | EFCC 7287 | Lepidoptera | EF468827 | JN049854 | EF468971 | EF468767 | EF468874 | EF468924 |
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O. spataforae | OSC 128575 | Hemiptera | EF469079 | JN049845 | EF469126 | EF469064 | EF469093 | EF469110 |
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O. unilateralis | OSC 128574 | Hymenoptera | DQ518768 | DQ522554 | DQ522339 | DQ522385 | DQ522436 |
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Paraisaria amazonica | HUA 186143 | Orthoptera | KJ917571 | KJ917562 | KM411989 | KP212902 | KM411982 |
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Par. blattarioides | HUA 186093 | Blattodea | KJ917570 | KJ917559 | KM411992 | KP212910 |
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HUA 186108 | Blattodea | KJ917569 | KJ917558 | KP212912 | KM411984 |
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Par. coenomyiae | NBRC 108993T | Diptera | AB968412 | AB968396 | AB968384 | AB968570 | AB968532 |
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Par. gracilioides | HUA 186092 | Coleoptera | KJ130992 | KJ917555 | KP212915 |
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Par. gracilis | EFCC 3101 | Lepidoptera | EF468810 | EF468955 | EF468750 | EF468858 | EF468913 |
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Par. heteropoda | EFCC 10125 | Hemiptera | EF468812 | JN049852 | EF468957 | EF468752 | EF468860 | EF468914 |
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Par. orthopterorum | TBRC 9710 | Orthoptera | MK332582 | MH754743 | MK214081 | MK214085 |
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Par. phuwiangensis | BBH 43491 | Coleoptera | MK192058 | MH188542 | MH211351 |
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Par. tettigonia | GZUH CS14062709T | Orthoptera | KT345954 | KT345955 | KT375440 | KT375441 |
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Par. yodhathaii | TBRC 8502 | Coleoptera | MH201168 | MH188540 | MH211354 | MH211350 |
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Pur. lavendulum | FMR 10376 | Soil | FR775489 | FR775516 | FR775512 |
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Pur. lilacinum | CBS 431.87 | Tylenchida | EF468844 | AY624188 | EF468791 | EF468897 | EF468940 |
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Pur. takamizusanense | NHJ 3582 | Hemiptera | EU369034 | EU369097 | EU369015 |
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Tolypocladium bacillisporum | C53T | Eurotiales | LC684523 | LC684523 | LC684523 | LC684526 |
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Tol. cylindrosporum | ARSEF 2920T | Soil | MH871712 | MG228381 | MG228390 | MG228384 | MG228387 |
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Tol. inflatum | OSC 71235 | Coleoptera | EF469077 | JN049844 | EF469124 | EF469061 | EF469090 | EF469108 |
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Tol. ophioglossoides | NBRC 106332 | Eurotiales | JN941409 | JN943322 | JN941732 | JN992466 |
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Tol. paradoxum | NBRC 100945 | JN941410 | JN943323 | JN941731 | AB968599 | JN992465 | AB968560 |
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Torrubiellomyces zombiae | NY04434801T | Hypocreales | ON493602 | ON493543 | ON513396 | ON513398 | ON513402 |
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Polyceph | Hypocreales | ON513394 |
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The taxa used for phylogenetic analyses were selected, based on BLAST search results and related references (
Maximum Likelihood (ML) analysis was performed using IQ-TREE 1.6.12 with branch support being estimated from 5000 ultrafast bootstraps (http://iqtree.cibiv.univie.ac.at/, accessed on 04 Sep 2023,
Phylogenetic analyses were constructed with combined 6-locus sequences data representing 73 taxa of Ophiocordycipitaceae. The concatenated LSU-ITS-SSU-tef1-α-rpb1-rpb2 data matrix was subjected to Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses. Trees were rooted to Cordyceps militaris in Cordycipitaceae. The alignment contains 4831 characters, including gaps (834 bp for LSU, 506 bp for ITS, 1022 bp for SSU, 918 bp for tef1-α, 665 bp for rpb1 and 886 bp for rpb2). The likelihood of the best scoring ML tree was -50301.608. The respective best-fit models determined by ModelFinder on IQ-TREE were GTR+F+I+G4 for LSU, TIM3+F+I+G4 for ITS, K2P+I+G4 for SSU, TIM2+F+I+G4 for TEF1-α, TN+F+I+G4 for RPB1 and RPB2.
In the phylogenetic analyses (Fig.
Phylogram generated from Maximum Likelihood analysis, based on combined LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α, rpb1 and rpb2 sequence data. ML bootstrap values equal to or greater than 95% and the PP equal to or greater than 0.90 are given above each node. The newly-generated sequences are indicated in blue. Type strain, type specimens or neotype are denoted in black bold.
Named after the location where the type specimen was found, Fenggang County, Guizhou Province, China.
Ophiocordyceps fenggangensis (holotype HKAS 125848) a habitat b host imbedded into the soil with the stroma emerging from the ground c stroma arising from the larva of Lepidoptera d host e, f reverse and front view of the culture on PDA g part of fertile head h part of fertile head with sterile tip (arrow indicate) i perithecia j–m asci n ascus cap o part of ascospores p secondary ascospores. Scale bars: 2 cm (c, e, f); 5 mm (d); 1 mm (g, h); 100 µm (i, j); 25 µm (k–m); 10 µm (n); 5 µm (o); 2 µm (p).
Parasitic on a larva of Lepidoptera. Stroma arising from the junction between head and thorax of lepidopteran larva, with a sterile tip. Perithecia immersed, grey-white.
Stroma solitary, unbranched, brown to grey-white, 102 × 1–1.5 mm. Fertile part up to 24 × 1.5 mm, cylindrical, attenuated toward the apex, grey-white when fresh, yellowish when dry, surface spinous due to the protruding ostioles, with a sterile tip (ca. 0.5 mm in length). Stipe cylindrical, brown to black, fibrous, 77.5 × 1–1.2 mm. Perithecia 306–496 × 134–223 μm (x̄= 388.4 × 175.9 µm, σ = 57.35 × 31.05, n = 15), immersed, ovoid to oblong-ovate. Asci 91–176 × 2–8 μm (x̄= 136.5 × 5.3 µm, σ = 38.22 × 2.63, n = 20), cylindrical, hyaline, with thickened apex. Apical cap 2.5–5.0 × 3.5–5.6 μm (x̄= 3.6 × 4.7 µm, σ = 0.78 × 0.48, n = 20), hyaline, hemispherical. Ascospores 0.3–0.7 µm (x̄= 0.4 µm, σ = 38.22 × 2.63, n = 20) wide, filiform, hyaline, easily breaking into part-spores. Secondary ascospores 2.8–6.0 × 0.3–0.7 μm (x̄= 4.0 × 0.4 µm, σ = 0.89 × 0.08, n = 20), cylindrical, smooth-walled. Asexual morph: undetermined.
Colonies on PDA, attaining a diameter of 28–32 mm within 39 d at 20 °C, dense, leathery, cream white, convex, undulate margin, reverse brown, radial striation, no sporulation observed.
China, Guizhou Province, Fenggang County, Yongan Town (28°05′30.83″N, 107°31′53.38″E, alt. 1149 m), on dead larva of Lepidoptara, 28 April 2021, Xing-Can Peng, FG21042850 (HKAS 125848 holotype,
Multigene phylogenetic analysis showed that Ophiocordyceps fenggangensis forms a sister clade to O. musicaudata with a high support value (98% ML / 0.93 PP) and grouped with O. alboperitheciata and Hirsutella kuankuoshuiensis (Fig.
Species | Host | Stromata (mm) | Perithecia(μm) | Asci (μm) | Ascospores (μm) | Reference |
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Ophiocordyceps liangii | larvae of Lepidoptera | 113–188 × 2, paired, cylindrical, unbranched, brown to dark brown | 350–548 × 203.5–446, superficial, brown, obovoid | 122–271.5 × 3.5–13.5, filiform, 8-spored, with thickened apices | 67.5–270.5 × 1.5–4.0, filiform to spindle, non-disarticulating | This study |
Ophiocordyceps agriotidis | larvae of Elateridae, Coleoptera | 70 × 1, solitary, cylindrical, black brown to black | 400–480 × 225–300, superficial to pseu-immersed, ovoid | 235–300 × 12, cylindrical, with an oblate apical cap | 115–150 × 4.2–45, cylindricial, multi-septate, non-disarticulating |
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Ophiocordyceps brunneiperitheciata | Lepidopteran larvae | 4–8 × 0.5–1, paired to multiple, simple, wiry to pliant or fibrous | 350–400 × 180–200, superficial, brown to dark brown, ovoid | 125–175 × 6–8, cylindrical, 8-spored, with thickened apices | 110–160 × 3–4, filiform, multi-septate, non-disarticulating |
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Ophiocordyceps fenggangensis | larvae of Lepidoptera | 102 × 1–1.5, solitary, cylindrical, brown to off-white | 306–496 × 134–223, immersed, off-white to yellowish, ovoid to oblong-ovate. | 91–176 × 2–8, cylindrical, apex thickened | 0.3–0.7 wide, filiform, hyaline, disarticulating, secondary ascospores 2.8–6.0 × 0.3–0.7, cylindrical | This study |
Ophiocordyceps alboperitheciata | larva of Noctuidae, Lepidoptera | 69–71 × 0.6–1.2, paired, cylindrical, unbranched, with a sterile tip, light brown to dark brown | 410–550 × 230–320, superficial, white to pale brown, nearly ovoid | 144–246 × 3.5–4.7, cylindrical, 8-spored, with a hemispheric apical cap | 0.5–0.6 wide, multi-septate, non-disarticulating |
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Ophiocordyceps musicaudata | larvae of Lasiocampidae, Lepidoptera | 130–140 × 1–2, solitary or numerous, simple or branched, cylindrical, brown to yellowish | 260–492 × 144–314, immersed, yellowish, flask-shaped. | 123–264 × 5–13, filiform, cylindrical, 8-spored, usually without thickened apices | 114–298 × 1.5–4.0, cylindrical, irregular multi-septate, non-disarticulating | This study |
Ophiocordyceps musicaudata | larvae of Lasiocampidae, Lepidoptera | up to 165 in length, twin, unbranched, light brown to white | 420 × 210, immersed, pseudo-oval | 230 × 7.6, cylindrical, with short cylindrical apices | filiform, multi-septate |
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Ophiocordyceps larvarum | larva of Lepidoptera | 90 × 3.5, solitary, cylindrical, cinnamon light brown | 340–380 × 160–200, pseudo-embedding, oblong | 180–200 × 8.5, with a hemispheric ascus cap | 4-9 × 2-2.5, columnar, septate |
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Cordyceps ochraceostromata | larva of Lepidoptera | up to 60 in length, single or paired, cylindrical, pale ochraceous-reddish to brownish | 350 × 200, immersed, ovoid | up to 7 in width, with thickened apices | disarticulating, secondary ascospores 7–10 × 1.5–2, truncated on both sides |
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Ophiocordyceps zhangjiajiensis | pupa of Lepidoptera | 100 × 2, single or paired, cylindrical, not ramified, leathery, brown to snuff-coloured | 330–375 × 180–230, pseudo-embedding, ovoid | 200 × 10, approximately fusiform, with thickened apices | disarticulating, secondary ascospores 15–23 × 3, cylindrical |
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Ophiocordyceps dayiensis | larva of Lepidoptera | 140 × 2, single, filiform, unbranched, brownish | 430–480 × 210–270, immersed, narrowly ovoid | 225–345 × 6–7.5, slender cylindric, with very thin cap of ascus | 300 × 1–1.8, filiform, multi-septate, non-disarticulating |
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Ophiocordyceps emeiensis | larva of Hepialidae, Lepidoptera | 100–160 × 1.5–3, single or paired, branched, brown | 320–460 × 220–320, superficial, brown to black, ellipsoid or ovoid | 173–213 × 7.5–8, cylindrical, with hemisphacris heads | 45–60 × 1–1.5, filiform, multi-septate |
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Ophiocordyceps laojunshanensis | Larvae of Hepialidae, Lepidoptera | 47–93 × 1–3.9, simple, rarely 2 or 3, apex sterile acuminate, purplish to dark brown | 200–300 × 200–350, globoid, arranged loosely in irregular lateral cushions. | 165–275 × 11.5–14.5, clavate | 130.0–250 × 5–6, filiform, septate |
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Ophiocordyceps paludosa | larvae of Lepidoptera | 55–130 × 0.5–1.0, slender filiform, greyish-brown | 800–855 × 375–410, superficial, greyish-brown to deep brown, flattened-ovoid | 480–550 × 8–10, cylindrical | 390–490 × 2.0–2.5, filiform, multi-septate, non-disarticulating |
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Named in honour of Prof. Zong-Qi Liang, who has made a significant contribution to the studies of Cordyceps sensu lato.
Ophiocordyceps liangii (holotype HKAS 125845) a habitat b, c stromata arising from host d superficial perithecia e host f, g section of perithecia h–k asci h–i immature j, k mature l, m ascus cap n–p ascospores q–s reverse and front view of culture on PDA. Scale bars: 4 cm (b, c), 1 mm (d), 5 mm (e), 100 µm (f, g), 50 µm (h–k), 20 µm (l, m), 30 µm (n–p), 2 cm (q–s).
Parasitic on lepidoptaran larva. Stroma arising from the back and tail of host, no sterile tip. Perithecia superficial, dark brown.
Stroma paired, flexuous, fibrous, filiform, tapering gradually towards the apex, unbranched, brown to dark brown, 11.3–18.8 × 0.2 cm. Fertile part cylindrical, dark brown, 5.4–6.1 × 0.2 cm. Stipe flexuous, brown, 5.1–13.5 × 0.1–0.2 cm. Perithecia 350–548 × 203.5–446 μm (x̄= 430.5 × 296 µm, σ = 56.45 × 60.83, n = 25), superficial, brown, obovoid. Asci 122–271.5 × 3.5–13.5 μm (x̄= 204.8 × 8.0 µm, σ = 38.22 × 2.63, n = 40), filiform, 8-spored, cylindrical, with thickened apices. Apical cap 1.7–4.5 × 4.0–6.6 μm (x̄= 3.2 × 5.4 µm, σ = 0.56 × 0.59, n = 40), hyaline, conspicuous. Ascospores 67.5–270.5 × 1.5–4.0 µm (x̄= 151.3 × 2.6 µm, σ = 36.31 × 0.61, n = 55), fusiform to filiform, aseptate, guttulate, non-disarticulating. Asexual morph: undetermined.
Colonies on PDA, attaining a diameter of 21–27 mm within 25 d at 25 °C, dense, leathery, pale yellow at centre, white at periphery, radially striate, with brown or translucent droplets, reverse black brown, producing brown pigment. Sporulation not observed.
China, Guizhou Province, Libo County, Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (25°15′15.68″N, 107°43′43.98″E, alt. 458 m), on dead larva of Lepidoptara, on leaf litter, 12 July 2022, Xing-Can Peng, LB22071253 (HKAS 125845 holotype,
Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Ophiocordyceps liangii is closely related to O. agriotidis and O. brunneiperitheciata with high support (100% ML/1.00 PP, Fig.
Cordyceps musicaudata Z. Q. Liang & A. Y. Liu. Basionym.
Parasitic on larvae of insect (Lasiocampidae, Lepidoptera). Stroma arising from body of the host, no sterile tip. Perithecia immersed, yellowish.
Ophiocordyceps musicaudata (HKAS 131911) a redrawn of
Stroma solitary, paired to multiple, simple or branched, flexuous, cylindrical with acute or round ends, 13–14 × 0.1–0.2 cm. Fertile part cylindrical, yellowish, 2–4.3 × 0.1–0.2 cm. Stipe flexuous, brown, 10–12 × 0.1 cm. Peridium 15–49 µm (x̄= 33 µm, σ = 8.41, n = 40) wide, composed of brown cells of textura angularis. Perithecia 260–492 × 144–314 μm (x̄= 378 × 221 µm, σ = 37.29 × 1.57, n = 25), immersed, flask-shaped. Asci 123–264 × 5–13 μm (x̄= 191 × 8.1 µm, σ = 58.76 × 48.94, n = 80), cylindrical, 8-spored, with inconspicuous thickened cap. Ascospores 114–298 × 1.5–4.0 µm (x̄= 198 × 2.3 µm, σ = 46.03 × 0.48, n = 45), filiform, irregular multi-septate, non-disarticulating. Asexual morph: undetermined.
Colonies on PDA, attaining a diameter of 21–27 mm within 43 d at 25 °C, dense, velvety, off-white, wrinkled bulge, reverse brown. No sporulation observed.
China, Guizhou Province, Suiyang County, Kuankuoshui National Nature Reserve (28°13′N, 107°09′E, alt. 1470–1507 m), on dead larva of Lepidoptera sp. buried in soil, 28 July 2022, Xing-Can Peng, SY22072880 (HKAS 131911 epitype); Ting-Chi Wen, SY22072879 (HKAS 131912,
It has been observed that there are eight genera in Ophiocordycipitaceae that possess versatile lifestyles (
Most of the fungal species published before the 1990s relied on classical morphology to determine the taxonomic status. It is difficult to gain access to their molecular data and morphological illustration and other related information as well as their type specimens. These issues emphasise the importance of collecting fresh specimens and clarifying them with modern approaches. Such work has been conducted by
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
No ethical statement was reported.
This study was supported by the Science and Technology Foundation of Guizhou Province (No. [2022]025-8, No. GZU-SZBJMS001 & No. (2020-1Y391)).
Investigation: YW, GYW. Resources: YZ, XZ, YHL. Writing – original draft: TCW, XCP. Writing – review and editing: DPW, JDL, KT.
Xing-Can Peng https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7271-7639
Ting-Chi Wen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1744-5869
De-Ping Wei https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3740-0142
Yi Wang https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5412-7893
Xian Zhang https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0919-4303
Khanobporn Tangtrakulwanich https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7081-618X
Jian-Dong Liang https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3939-3900
All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text.