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| Samsoniella scoliopterygis H.C. Evans & J.P.M. Araújo, in Evans, Fogg, Buddie, Yeap et Araújo. 2025. |
Abstract
Samsoniella scoliopterygis (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales), pathogenic on the herald moth Scoliopteryx libatrix (Erebidae: Noctuoidea), is described as a new species, based on morphological, ecological and molecular evidence. Infected specimens of this troglophilic moth were recorded from caves, as well as from a copper mine, in southern England (Devon, Norfolk), Northern Ireland (Fermanagh) and the Republic of Ireland (Sligo). The moths were found consistently on the cave floor or rock ledges, rather than on the ceiling amongst the overwintering, healthy moth populations; producing multiple, white or non-pigmented clavae of the cordyceps-like sexual morph. Synnemata of the asexual morph occurred sporadically in situ but were produced consistently in vitro. The ecology and taxonomy are discussed in relation to previous records of entomopathogenic fungi on Scoliopteryx libatrix and other trogloxene moths.
Keywords: Samsoniella scoliopterygis; ecology; entomopathogenic fungi; new taxon; phylogenetics; systematics
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| Samsoniella scoliopterygis sp. nov., holotype IMI 507611. A, B. Sexual morph on herald moth, (Scoliopteryx libatrix), dried specimen from floor of Boho Caves (Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland), showing the superficial perithecia on stromata emerging from the dorsal surface and orifices (mouth and anus). C, D. Transverse section of an ascostroma showing the superficial, flask-shaped perithecia with a wide, prominent neck region and wall. E. Perithecial tip showing the asci and ascospores oozing from the ostiole. F. Ascus showing prominent cap. Scale bars: A, B = 2 mm; C = 100 µm; D = 30 µm; E = 15 µm; F = 5 µm. |
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| Samsoniella scoliopterygis, IMI 507613, on herald moths in situ in Boho Caves, July 2024. A. Infected moth on ledge in twilight zone (arrow), ca. 6 m from cave entrance in background. B. Close-up of stromata showing the white, superficial, crowded perithecia. C–E. Infected moths in various positions within the dark zone of the cave system, all with white stromata. Scale bars: B = 1 mm; C, E = 8 mm; D = 5 mm. |
Samsoniella scoliopterygis H.C. Evans & J.P.M. Araújo, sp. nov.
H.C. Evans, T. Fogg, A.G. Buddie, Y.T. Yeap and J.P.M. Araújo. 2025. A New Species of Samsoniella (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) on the herald moth, Scoliopteryx libatrix (Erebidae: Noctuoidea), from caves in the British Isles. Fungal Systematics and Evolution. 15(1); 201-224. DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.09 (June 2025)
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